I stepped back as two of her burliest guards grabbed my prisoner’s arms and yanked him to his feet. Ian grunted a bit as his arms were wrenched but landed on his feet with a smile. “Queen Tana. It’s very nice to see you.” Her bejeweled gaze could have formed ice from molten metal. “Save your charm for those who can be charmed, human. I have no use for it.” I glanced at Ian and was surprised to see his smile widen. But he simply lowered his head slightly in acquiescence. Etta and I fell into step behind the fairies as they headed back toward Tana’s castle. The wood grew thicker, livelier, and more magical as we headed into its center. Queen Tana ruled all of the fairies, elves, brownies, leprechauns, and sprites around the world. They were free to live wherever they pleased, but most of them lived in the Wood. They liked the camaraderie and security of living amongst their own, free from outside interference. And they thrived in the magic saturated atmosphere. In fact, the magic was so thick in the Wood that my skin tingled with it as we walked.
