Phantasia’s reaction was the same, but again Faye provided no mental explanation for her words. A Water faerie wouldn’t make such an accusation without proof, however.

“You are Natalie Chiltern, Environmental Studies teacher at Torsten Academy,” said Faye, “I was informed of your involvement with the illusion by others, although their knowledge of your actions and motivations were limited,”

“I can’t say they’re all on our side,” said Ms Chiltern’s projection, the distant voice losing its ambiance – even the aura around the totem began to shift, casting aside a masquerade that had fooled even Phantasia.

“You’re Ms Chiltern?” she found herself saying aloud, as if the familiarity of her voice and aura had only just confirmed her own confession, “You…hid!”

“Indeed, your masquerade was most deceptive,” added Faye.

“That’s us witches for you,” said Ms Chiltern, “Now enough with the small talk. You girls have got to lie low for a bit. Take a few days off or something, I can cover for you with the staff. Sure, half of them don’t agree with the illusion now, but at the moment it’s the only thing keeping your friends safe. We can’t keep it up if you keep interfering!”

“I understand the reasoning behind the illusion,” said Faye, bowing slightly, “Please send my apologies to Princess Titania,”

Silence.

Phantasia could have sworn she saw the slightest upturn on Faye’s lips.

Then…Princess Titania? The revelation hit her at the same time Ms Chiltern reacted.

“So, you figured that one out too…”

Phantasia’s mind was still a flurry of confusion and images of the grass-haired Princess with almond skin and slender limbs, dancing from treetop to treetop with the wind’s grace.

“You have just confirmed it for me,” explained Faye, “Before then, it were merely a logical deduction. The illusions started six months ago, shortly after Princess Titania disappeared from the Innerworld, and it is well known among faeries that her skills with illusions are lacklustre,”

“I expected a Water faerie to need more evidence than that,” said Ms Chiltern, “I thought you didn’t make wild assumptions? There could be a hundred faeries who fit that profile,”

“Indeed,” replied Faye, “The only assumption here is your own assumption that I have no further evidence. For example, Queen Thetis would not have sent Princess Phantasia to this area without good cause, and I have seen enough evidence to suggest this area has begun to attract attention because of corruption in the leylines – a corruption that began six months ago. One group that has been attracted to this area consists of renegade faeries known not only to Princess Phantasia and myself, but to Princess Titania also. However, the nature of the illusion and its adaptations appears designed to protect the students, while the renegade faeries have demonstrated no concern for their well-being. Meanwhile—“

“We get the idea,” snapped Ms Chiltern.

“I would not have come to this conclusion had you not revealed yourself to me,”

“Five steps ahead, huh? Never trust a Water faerie…” said Ms Chiltern, the head of the seahorse shaking. “Now since you seem to know everything, maybe you can understand why we’re doing this? Phantasia – Princess Phantasia – we’re not trying to hide the truth from your friends. This spell helps contain more than just memories. You must help us!”

“Well…” Phantasia crossed her arms, “I don’t care if you’re doing it under authority from Queen Áine herself, what you’re doing is wrong! If you know Princess Titania, then you oughta know I’m not the sort of person who just follows rules because someone tells me to!”

“Look,” said Ms Chiltern, “You can either help her or you can keep up your immature rebellion – but just understand how much of her strength Titania is sacrificing for this when you’re out there playing the role of the pure innocent maiden trying to make everyone see love and peace!”

The bitterness in Ms Chiltern’s voice continued to sting the mana streams even as her projection evaporated.

“This is an intriguing turn of events,” said Faye, “This town is attracting more attention than one would expect from the average leyline corruption. We must remain alert and discover what is really going on here,”

But Phantasia wasn’t thinking of the future. “I can’t believe Princess Titania would be behind this…” she said, clenching her fists, “Princess Titania and Queen Áine and Queen Thetis and those renegade faeries and Ms Chiltern and Ceres and Korrigan and who knows who else? Everyone’s plotting and manipulating and lying to one another for their own interests, just like Mr Payne and Bishop Wotan did! I hate it…”

Yet the blank look on Faye’s face reminded Phantasia that her handmaiden had been just as deceptive – for her sake. They were as much a part of the problem as anyone. Were she human, her nails would have dug into the palms of her hands and drawn blood.

Chapter 44
Previous / Continue
(page 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8)