Rise of the Tide: The Lost Kingdom of Fallada, #3

Prologue

There once was a time when the white beaches of Fallada shimmered in the light of a vibrant sun. The frothy ocean waves crashed and receded, hinting at life beneath the surface. The scales of the minnows reflected light, glistening like polished silver, and the spray of Mermaids and sea serpents breaching the surface sent droplets of water soaring through the air like dancing crystals. In my spare time, I often loved to leave the Faerie city of Goldun and walk along the coast of the Greylea Sea, sinking my toes into warm, wet sand. My hair in the wind, the spray of the sea on my face … my walks there were heavenly. I would smile as I watched Fallada’s sea creatures frolic and play in their beloved ocean, secure in the knowledge that the rulers of the underwater kingdom of Zenun kept them sheltered and safe from harm.

Unfortunately, times have changed. Now, the Greylea Sea is an immovable sheet of ice, its waves frozen in place, their dance halted by the harsh and biting winds. Snow swirls above the surface, and gray clouds hang overhead like a smothering fog. There is no more sun. The salty spray of the sea is gone, and in place of the warm sand are knee-high drifts of snow. My friend, as I watch the desolate landscape that was once the beach of Greylea through my sacred Eye of Goldun, I weep for Zenun and its people. My heart is broken at the state of a once vibrant part of our kingdom.

Alas, even as Queen of the Fae, I am unable to stop this travesty. My powers are great, but I am bound by the rules of my race. I cannot change or alter the path of destiny; I can only do my best to guide those upon that path in the right direction. For a while, it worked, and we were winning the war against evil. Queen Eranna of the west was no match for the two lost princesses we returned to their rightful places. Our first two victories left us confident that we could continue on our path. We believed that Fallada could be reclaimed.

That belief has been broken into tiny pieces and scattered on the wind, until each of us has but the tiniest glimmer of hope left in our hearts. The dark times I foresaw in Fallada are here, and Eranna’s treachery has spread, leaving the boundaries of Mollac and stretching its tentacles out toward Zenun. Eranna has overthrown the king and queen and taken the throne there. Her monstrous Minotaur-Faerie hybrids formed an army so powerful that King Ceroth’s forces could not compare. They fell, and King Ceroth is no more. All that remains of him is his Trident, a powerful weapon that Eranna has taken for herself. She uses it to keep the people of Zenun and their queen under her control. Her hybrid beasts patrol the city’s streets, striking terror into the hearts of all who lay eyes on them and crushing our hope of an uprising or resistance.

To make matters worse, she has consorted with her Witches and Sorcerers, finding a way to track and locate the remaining lost princesses of Fallada in the human world. This is most distressing news, as I had hoped to continue bringing them into Fallada myself and keeping them out of her reach. My scribes, The Brothers Grimm, and I face a very crucial decision at this point.

Adrah, Wilhelm Grimm argued. We must choose. The daughters of Zenun, over the remaining lost daughter of Damu. All three are in danger.

Yes, I answered as we walked together in my garden. It is quite the conundrum, deciding who to save.

Sensing my distress, he reached out to grasp my hand in the gesture of an old friend. I have found so much comfort in gazing upon his weathered face. We are not choosing whom to save, he insisted. "However, we must decide whom to go to first. If you will pardon my saying so, it is my opinion that Princess Phaedra of Zenun is in the most imminent danger. Her part of the prophecy is at hand, and Eranna will want to strike out at her. Besides, her help will be needed in regaining control of Zenun."

He is so very wise. Both the Grimm brothers are. It is why I blessed them with the Elixir of Everlasting Life and bestowed immortality upon them, so they could live long enough to help me see things set right.

Very well, I decided. But you and Jacob will sit this one out. I need you to journey to Inador and find Arrian of the Riverleaf clan instead. A servant of Oawe, Goddess of the Sea … he will be needed.

Very well, My Queen. Who will you send to bring them back?

She is already there, my dear Wilhelm. The time has come for me to send for Saem of Zenun and ensure she is prepared to do what she must. Phaedra and Sonia, daughters of Zenun, must be returned to us immediately. Prepare the others.

Chapter One

Duck, North Carolina

Phaedra Jones tucked a strand of wild, curly hair behind her ear and stared out over the rolling waves, eyes squinted against the sun’s bright rays. She slid her sunglasses on and tilted her head back, smiling as the afternoon sun warmed her dark skin. Charles’ hand skimmed her stomach, which was bared by her aquamarine bikini. Her eyes flew open and she smiled as he leaned over her for a kiss. He was gorgeous framed by a blue and fathomless sky, his hazel eyes crinkled at the corners as he grinned at her with perfect white teeth. His hand took hold of hers, his medium brown skin a few shades lighter than her dark ebony.

I’m glad I came, he said, resting his head beside hers. But your aunt doesn’t seem too happy to see me today.

Phaedra frowned as she stared at her Aunt Samantha, who was on the starboard side of their small sailboat, staring off into the distance as if distracted. Something was off about her today, including her weird vibes concerning Charles.

Her aunt, who’d raised her and her sister, Sonia, after their parents died in a car accident, had always approved of Phaedra’s boyfriend. Charles was a regular visitor to their house, and had been with them on several sailing excursions. Yet, today, her aunt had protested when Charles showed up today, dressed in his low-hanging swim trunks and toting a cooler full of bottled water.

She hadn’t wanted him to come.

Deciding not to let her aunt’s weird behavior ruin the day, Phaedra faced her sister. Sonia, turn the music up.

Sonia nodded, the beads of her braids clicking against her shoulders as she bent to turn up the volume on their rugged radio. Battery operated and waterproof, it was always with them when they sailed. Phaedra nodded her head to the beat as the catchy lyrics of Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke fill the air around them. Sonia mouthed the words as she adjusted one of the sails. As always, her complexion was much more vibrant when they were out on the water. She seemed more relaxed and her eyes danced with excitement. Sonia’s Lupus seemed nonexistent when they were on the water. The only sign of the sickness was a telltale purple rash spreading from cheekbone to cheekbone, like the spread wings of a butterfly.

Phaedra had never been seriously ill like Sonia, but something about the ocean made her feel more alive, too.

The two had taken to the water like fish as children. The ocean, which was only a few miles from their home in the coastal resort town of Duck, North Carolina, had always been a part of their lives. Sailing, swimming, surfing … she and Sonia did it all, and her little sister’s health always ceased to be a concern the second her toes touched the surf.

It was how they’d met Charles, whose parents ran a rental shop on the boardwalk that carried bicycles, kites, beach chairs, and umbrellas. It was during the very end of last year’s summer vacation season, when the tourists had dwindled down to a mere handful, that she had encountered him in front of the shop.

She’d just come from The Wave, a pizza stand on the corner of the boardwalk. Her flip-flops slapped over the wooden boards as she balanced two pizzas in one hand and fumbled with her vibrating cell phone with the other. She had stepped into the path of his bike and almost gotten mowed down, dropping her pizzas in the process.

Phaedra had jumped to her feet, ready to tear the jerk who had nearly run her over a new one. Her throat constricted and words became scarce as she looked up into a pair of hazel eyes flecked with green. He’d helped her up and apologized profusely. Then, he replaced her pizzas and walked her home, rolling his bike beside him as they crossed the busy thoroughfare back to her neighborhood. Just minutes away from the water, the home she grew up in with Sonia and Aunt Sam was large, open and breezy; painted a vibrant shade of yellow. Aunt Sam owned the home next door, too, and rented it out every week during the summer months to tourists.

She’d invited him to stay for dinner that night, and from there they’d been inseparable. Connecting over their love of the ocean, Phaedra and Charles spent the rest of their summer vacation swimming, surfing, walking on the beach … ditching Sonia so they could go make out in dark corners. And then, on the last weekend before the start of the school year, she’d given him her virginity.

It had been a night she’d never forget. Wet sand below, the starry night above, and the spray of the ocean filling the air with a salty tang. Charles, perfect and beautiful beneath the glow of the moon, making it everything she’d ever thought it would be. Phaedra had been raised to wait for marriage, but her patience had run thin. Besides, she knew she never wanted to be with anyone else—Charles was the love of her life.

The end of her senior year was coming, and he had already graduated the year before. They were planning their lives together after Phaedra’s graduation. She wouldn’t even consider the possibility of going on after high school without him. Aunt Sam had always warned her that their feelings could wane over time; that young love rarely ever lasted. Phaedra had thought her aunt was only trying to protect her from having her heart broken. Most couples their age didn’t make it past high school, but Phaedra knew she and Charles were solid.

Maybe that’s her problem, she thought as she reclined on the deck, threading her fingers through Charles’ as he murmured the words to Blurred Lines under his breath. She knows about the sex.

Phaedra’s face burned hot with embarrassment at the thought of her aunt having any knowledge of the night she’d spent with Charles. She’d been so careful sneaking in and out that not even Sonia had seen her come or go. However, Aunt Sam had a way of finding things out and Phaedra couldn’t stand the thought of her thinking of what they’d done as something wrong and cheap. It had only happened once, and it was one of the best memories of her life. Besides, she had every intention of spending the rest of her life with Charles. That had to count for something.

Oh well.

There was nothing to do about it now. Aunt Sam would get over it and Charles would make his way back into her good graces. For now, there was the rest of the afternoon to enjoy. The May weather was warm but breezy, perfect for a day out on the water.

Just as she had the thought, she shivered. She opened her eyes and whipped off her sunglasses, frowning at the sky, which had gone overcast in an instant.

What the heck? Sonia murmured as she wrapped her arms around her bare midriff, shuddering when a chill wind whipped over the deck. It caused her beads to clatter and Phaedra’s thick curls to swirl uncontrolled around her head.

Charles helped her to her feet, and they stared up at the sky as the wind grew stronger. The waves became choppier, tossing the small boat recklessly about.

This doesn’t make any sense, he bellowed, his voice raised over the clap of thunder that sounded overhead. Lightning followed, illuminating the darkening sky with an eerie glow. The forecast predicted clear skies today.

The storm seemed to have come from out of nowhere, and now fat drops of rain were hurtling from the almost-black sky. Having sailed for most of their lives, Phaedra, Sonia, and Charles ran about the deck of the small vessel, their hands flying to adjust riggings and sails. She could hear Sonia counting out loud, the seconds between lightning strikes, and watching the sky. The direction in which the strikes traveled told them the worst of this was coming their way.

Aunt Sam! Phaedra cried, noticing for the first time that her aunt had not joined them in their efforts at sailing through the storm. She simply stood at the ship’s stern, her eyes turned up toward the sky, her arms outstretched. The long, billowing sleeves of her sheer swimsuit cover-up fluttered in the wind and her neat dreadlocks whipped about her face. Aunt Sam, what are you doing? Help us!

The rain was falling in heavy sheets now, causing Phaedra’s hair to hang down her shoulders and back in a sodden mess. She pushed the locks out of her eyes and stumbled toward Sam. Her aunt merely stood, her lips moving silently as her face remained turned up to the heavens, her brown skin soaked with rain.

Aunt Sam? Phaedra touched her shoulder and Sam turned to face her.

Phaedra screamed and reared back. Her aunt’s gaze was a startling, glowing white, as if someone had stuck a flashlight in her mouth and the beam was shining out through her eyes.

Charles came racing across the deck in reaction to her scream, skidding to a halt beside her. Phaedra, what happened?

Phaedra merely pointed, her hand shaking as Sonia came up behind them, her gasp smothered by another clap of thunder.

What the hell? Phaedra murmured, unable to look away as Sam gripped the rail of the boat, stepping up onto it and looking back at them.

There isn’t time to explain, she said. Phaedra’s heart lurched. Sam’s voice was clear as a bell, seemingly magnified despite the noise of the storm around them. The harsh, white glow of her eyes burned through her like hot coals. Don’t be afraid.

Too late, Sonia muttered, gripping Phaedra’s hand tightly. Charles grabbed the other.

Destiny awaits.

Then she was gone. Over the deck of the ship in a flash of orange, red and white floral pattern. Sonia screamed and collapsed against Phaedra. Phaedra went limp and wrapped her arms around her sister as she sank into Charles’ strong embrace. All around them, the storm raged, tossing the little boat in so many directions she could no longer tell where they were in relation to the shore.

Aunt Sam! Aunt Sam! Sonia wailed, dropping to her knees on the deck. She sobbed hysterically, burying her face in her hands.

Phaedra glanced from Sonia, to Charles, to the rapidly rising tide, unsure of how to proceed. Tears stung her eyes and she felt the fight going out of her. There was nothing left to do but pray that they could ride out the storm. The loss of her aunt was something she was not yet ready to face.

Phaedra!

Her head whipped around at Charles’ voice. He sounded terrified—and with good reason. He pointed out over the water, and she followed his gaze to where a whirlpool had formed on the surface. Phaedra felt as if she were going to be sick as she watched the whirlpool deepen and lengthen, the swirling water churning and pulling them toward it.

Come about! she screamed, dashing toward the wheel with Charles hot on her heels. Sonia remained on her knees at the bottom of the boat, sobbing into her hands. Phaedra knew she was beyond their reach, her grief overcoming the will to fight. She and Charles grasped the wheel together, jerking it hard to the right and turning the boat’s bow away from the whirlpool. Charles started the engine and revved it.

They fought against the water, but it was no use. The little boat was being sucked toward the swirl, which slurped at them like quicksand, pulling them toward its darkened depths.

Sonia! Phaedra cried as she clutched the wheel for dear life. Come hold on to me!

It would give her comfort to know they would be together in death. It wasn’t as if she could do anything to save Sonia, but the comfort of her sister’s nearness in the end would have to be enough. She held on to Sonia, who seemed so young and small now as she sobbed into Phaedra’s shoulder.

We’re going to die! she moaned, her voice small and fragile as the boat came closer and closer to the edge of the whirlpool. She was only fifteen, and now her life was over. I don’t want to die.

It’s okay, Phaedra lied, stroking her sister’s braids. Death is not the end, remember? Remember what Dad taught us? Heaven is real, and they are there waiting for us. Don’t be afraid.

Her words seemed to bring Sonia comfort, though they did nothing for Phaedra. As Charles knelt beside her, wrapping them both in his arms, she turned her face into his chest and waited for the water to take them. His mouth pressed to her forehead in a sweet kiss before she tilted her head back to give him her lips. He accepted them, kissing her with everything he had and then some.

I love you, he said, his voice rough and cracked. Tears filled his eyes.

Phaedra nodded. I love you, too. And I have no regrets. Not a single one.

Charles gave her a little smile before she closed her eyes and let her mind drift to happier times. Memories of their time together would be the her last thoughts. Better that than the sight of Aunt Sam disappearing over the side of the boat, plunging to her death.

Destiny awaits.

What had she meant by that, anyway? Phaedra didn’t have time to dwell on it. At that moment, the ship entered the whirlpool. It followed the current, the little vessel swept in wide circles that grew smaller as they plunged down into the depths of the churning vortex. Sonia closed her eyes, but Phaedra watched, hypnotized as a swirling cone of water surrounded them, drawing them steadily downward. They sank lower and lower, and Phaedra grew dizzy from the rapid circles they were making as they neared the bottom of the whirlpool. She squeezed her eyes closed just as it converged, bringing water crashing down over them.

Phaedra became weightless as the water surrounded her. Sonia and Charles were ripped from her arms and the boat sank, disappearing into the darkness of the sea. She flailed her arms and legs, lungs burning from the breath she was holding. Yet, strangely, the salty ocean water did not sting her eyes. Phaedra kicked her legs and swam for the surface, knowing she would never get there fast enough to survive. Her lungs were on fire and she felt lightheaded. She would lose consciousness at any moment. Her heart throbbed painfully as she thought of Charles and Sonia, close yet so far away, both either dead or dying.

Unable to hold her breath any longer, Phaedra let go and waited for water to fill her mouth, nose, and lungs. After a few seconds, her eyes widened as she realized that nothing was happening. She floated, lost somewhere in the open sea, feeling nothing.

Was this death? Could it be this painless and simple? Would she simply drift until it claimed her, pulling her into whatever afterlife awaited her? Where was the gasping, choking, and sputtering she’d seen in the movies? Why weren’t her lungs burning as they filled with water?

Her mind wandered over her meager eighteen years of life. Phaedra thought of the short time she’d had with her parents before losing them, of praying fervently every time Sonia got sick that God would make her better, of meeting Charles and falling head over heels in love. She thought of all the plans she’d made for life after high school, and knew that with just a few short weeks before graduation, none of them would ever become a reality. She thought about the fact that she, Sonia, and Aunt Sam were the only members of the Jones family left. There would be no one to look for them, no one to plan a funeral or memorial service. No one to care.

All of a sudden, her vision cleared and Phaedra could see as if someone had switched on the ocean’s lights. She furrowed her brow as a large school of fish swam past her, their scales flashing silver and blue in the moonlight. A shark followed, his teeth bared and his tail swishing hypnotically as if he were just out for an evening swim. Phaedra gasped, her mouth filling with water. Yet, she didn’t choke and the shark seemed not to notice her. He swam on his way, oblivious to her presence.

Below her, white sand glowed, dotted here and there with coral, seaweed, and shells. More fish swam and darted back and forth. A black eel slithered past, causing her to shudder in revulsion. Phaedra held a hand out in front of her and moved it around before blinking several times.

This could not be happening.

She was sure she’d just passed out from inhaling water and was now in some state between life and death, just waiting to tip over into the other side. She began to swim, though not in the way she had been taught. For some reason, her body took on a serpentine motion. Her legs did not kick, but moved in a fluid wave as one, following the smooth glide of her body. She propelled through the water, going toward the sandy ocean floor. The water glowed dark blue as a pinpoint of light appeared several yards away. Shaped like a star, the distant light seemed to call to her. Phaedra drifted toward it against her will, pulled in by some unseen force. The closer she got, the more her chest pounded in anticipation.

Something welled up inside of her, building slowly—much like the feeling that erupts in someone’s gut as they ride to the very top of the first large drop of a roller coaster. Suddenly, the light flashed bright white, enveloping her. A sound like a sonic boom rattled her to her core and she rushed toward the light, unable to stop her momentum as she raced toward it like a freight train.

Mollac, Fallada

Malachi, what news of our dear Snowdrop?

Malachi Voran hesitated before answering his queen. Like most servants of Eranna, he had little choice in the matter. It was either serve the queen or lose his family. The decision required no thought. It was for Leven and Danor that he did the witch queen’s dirty work.

She is progressing nicely, My Queen, he said slowly, thinking before speaking. He would not lie; no man could tell falsehoods to the ice queen of the west; her eyes and ears were everywhere. Yet, Malachi could not tell her the truth—that her precious Snowdrop had made very little progress since he’d taken her into his care six months ago. "She makes flames without thinking, right