Chapter 9: The Inquisition
Chapter 9
The Inquisition
She stood on the plains of the Wind Queendom, a cool breeze rustling through her hair. Before her stood the forest heart of the Queendom, a sprawling canopy of green that rolled up the concave surface of the Innerworld. In the hazy distance she could pick out the shape of the Wind Palace, a giant oak structure that towered above its brethren.
“You just need more time,” said the Wind faerie, his long grassy hair rustling in the breeze. Phantasia tried her best to return his smile.
It had been two months since Dionysus had left her. Two months spent travelling across the Innerworld, searching for herself. She’d spent the majority of it in the presence of the jovial Wind faeries, learning about their way of life and elemental abilities.
I don’t need more time. I can’t do it. It doesn’t matter how much you try to teach me, I’ll never be able to do it.
There was a sudden gust of wind and the long grass parted, creating a path for a faerie whose elfin beauty was only matched by Queen Áine. Princess Titania was the eldest princess of the Wind Queendom, namesake of Queen Titania, and idol to countless sprites, sylphs and dryads. She ran a hand through her emerald hair – which was feathery short on one side, and long like grass on the other – and looked at Phantasia with her sparkling jade eyes.
“How ya getting on, Tasia?”
Phantasia tried to avoid those eyes. It wasn’t like her to be intimidated by anyone, but Titania had a certain charisma, a something that made you want her to like you. Phantasia hadn’t achieved anything, and she was ashamed.
I wish I could be as talented as you.
***
It felt like she was being dissected, piece by piece, molecule by molecule. Phantasia struggled to resist the darkness that enveloped her, but nothing she could think of could push back those thoughts of inferiority. It was as if the demon itself was taking on the visage of the Princess Titania, right down to her irregular hair, almond skin and slender, perfect figure. She stood before Phantasia as an example of what a faerie princess should be: a figure to be admired, a perfect embodiment of her element chosen by the Queen to represent her people. Phantasia, on the other hand, didn’t even know where she came from. How could she ever be anything if she didn’t even know who she even was?
Then it was all over.
Phantasia fell backwards as the strings of negativity that bound her to the shadow-demon were severed in an instant. As the world began focus, she noticed the creature’s size diminishing, as if were sinking back into a corner to hide. It cowered as it was set upon by another power that slashed at it like a dozen knives; an energy that came from strong faith and conviction. Phantasia concentrated on its source, and noticed a group of humans had appeared at the far end of the collapsed building, hidden behind the mass of withered debris, stone and rotting wood that had fallen down from the floors above. She could hear a low, rhythmic chanting coming from their direction, with the words striking in time with the blows attacking the demon. Unable to withstand the onslaught of powerful emotions, the shadow withered into the ground and fled.
