Daydreams and Computer Screens

…

Two Ridirian knights wrapped a blanket around Frederick’s shoulders and held him fast despite his frenzied struggles.

“Let me go! He’s still in there!”

His efforts were unfortunately, quite pathetic, as the fae pollen still had not completely worked out of his system. It was easy to manhandle him to safety.

“Your highness, our orders were to bring you home,” the knight said, “Sir Galiot knew the risks.”

“That I did, that I did.”

Frederick and the knights whirled around. Galiot stood before them, sopping wet but otherwise unharmed. The knights released him, and Frederick nearly knocked himself and Galiot to the ground with how quickly he embraced him.

“You’re here, how!?”

“Those miserable fairy thieves only go after young folk,” Galiot said, “at least, that blue one does. Seems as though there are benefits to being old.”

Galiot hugged Frederick so hard he was sure his ribs were going to pop out.

“Right,” The old knight said, “Let us be rid of this portal.”

…

Under Galiot’s orders, the fairy pool was filled with stone and earth until it had been completely dried up.

“Hope you didn’t leave a handkerchief over there,” Galiot joked.

“You jest, but I did lose that iron pendant,” Frederick said, “that fae woman threw it in the pool you just had filled.”

“Oh, this pendant?”

Galiot held up the iron necklace.

“The very same,” Frederick said, then added, “Galiot, I do not wish to hurt your feelings, but-”

“It’s all right Lad, I know you’re not one for much jewelry. The adornment served its purpose, but I think it will be better suited with the other royal jewels you so often neglect.”

“Oh, thank the stars!” Frederick exclaimed.

Galiot chuckled. He whistled, and a knight led an all-black horse over by the bridle.

“Ainmire!” Frederick beamed.

He mounted his horse, and Galiot did the same with his own grey stallion. The company began the ride back to the Ridirian capital.

“Er, Galiot?” Frederick asked.

“What is it, Lad?”

“About the fae realm…”

Galiot sighed.

“I know now that I should’ve told you sooner, but we didn’t want you to grow up with such an anxiousness looming over your head. The fear of impending doom and such. It was either promise you to them in eighteen years or let them take you as an infant. I had always intended to get you back, Frederick. One way or another.”

“Well, actually- er, yes. I do not resent you or hold blame. I knew you would have a good explanation for that. But what I meant to ask was… did you happen to bring lunch? I have not eaten in five days…apart from the fae nectar and the biscuit, of course.”

“Aye, Lad, We’ll stop for lunch in about- five days!? Five days!? Why didn’t you say something sooner!?”

“Sir Galiot, it has only been three hours,” a knight pointed out.

“Time passes differently in the fae realm, you fool!” Galiot shouted, “everyone halt!”

After coming to an abrupt stop and dismounting, Galiot had set out a picnic that looked less like an outdoor meal and more like a royal banquet on the forest floor.

“Chef Augustin sends his regards,” Galiot said.

Frederick took a bite of a small meat pie. His immediate thought afterward was that he had died and went to Heaven. Then he had a little bit of cheese, two bread rolls, a few carrots, half an apple, and finally, several dry biscuits. Frederick had never had such an appetite in his life. It wasn’t until another hour had passed that they resumed their journey.

Galiot sent word to the Verheiman royal family, along with the Highcrest household, that Frederick had been safely retrieved and was on the way home. Word would not have to travel far, as King Robur, Queen Blodyn, and Prince Folium had arrived in Serenwyn just as Galiot had left for the fae realm.

By the time Frederick and the company reached the castle gates, it was almost time for supper. Frederick had barely dismounted Ainmire when someone tackled him from behind. They went tumbling to the ground, kicking up dust and straw.

“Frederick!” the someone shouted.

“Folium!?”

“Indeed,” Folium confirmed, “how are you? I hope you’re not hurt.”

“Well, if I wasn’t before, I daresay your body slam has done plenty of damage,” Frederick said, though not in a serious way.

Frederick stood, brushing the hay from his hair. Folium pulled him in by the arm and hugged him.

“We were all worried,” Folium said, “as soon as you disappeared, we sent our swiftest messenger to your parents. We followed, of course, and planned to deliberate a course of action. Just as we got here, Sir Galiot took off with a storm in his eyes. It would seem as though he had a plan of his own.”

“He did,” Frederick said, “and I am eternally grateful that his plan worked.”

He had not made it two paces into the castle before someone else embraced him, Hrethric this time. Morgana joined in the hug a moment after.

“Thank Alberich,” Morgana whispered.

As the Highcrest family reunited, the fae realm buzzed with chatter.

“I’m so sorry about your human, Sapphire,” Jacinth said, “would you like to try and retrieve him?”

Sapphire sighed, tapping the stone where the fairy pool had been.

“No,” she said, “besides, I can always play with your human, I suppose.”

The fae promise was broken, and the entire royal household could now sleep without a weight on their hearts.

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