longer.blue

The political news depresses me so here is the opening of my latest novel—-ARALINA, ARISEN: THE GODDESS CHRONICLES, THE PREQUEL ONE Exhausted and cold, Aralina dropped to the forest floor feeling the dry, brittle leaves, and branches scattered around her. The forest, rarely muted, was eerily silent now. Her ears did not detect the movements of her pursuer. She sucked in her breath. Quietly, the forest animals, wood nymphs, and sylphs gathered to offer her protection and provided some warmth to her weary bones and strained muscles. Sleep overtook her as Magh (ma-h), very ancient magic, instructed the creatures of the forest, both seen and unseen, to protect their goddess. Some hours later Aralina awoke, unnaturally warm, not cold in the least, despite the extreme chill in the air. She looked around in surprise and awe. Several types of elemental beings and Light Fae surrounded her. Small, light-filled pixies snoozed nearby, water, air, and earth nymphs slumbered while they stood guard as only they could, devas of various colors flitted around like the fireflies they resembled, and several nearby dyads watched over the entire lot of Light Fae who protected Aralina in sleep. She noticed small forest animals also slumbered nearby, guarding her as she rested. Grateful, she remained serene and motionless to avoid disturbing their rest. She wanted to use her power to see if she could sense those who had chased her earlier. Aralina closed her eyes. A voice sounded in her head saying, We mean you no harm. I am Hiera, a Leanan Sidhe, I commanded all the Light Fae nearby to aid you in your situation. A terrifying one, I imagine. Aralina's head tilted, a mere shift of her forehead. Queen Hiera nodded in return. She was unsure how she communicated. Confused and grateful, she rose from her bed of leaves and moss. She swayed, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for words. The beast after you has killed many Fae and elemental beings. We mean this to stop. Hiera paused. Aralina noticed a type of nudge in her brain. It felt like a wave of light transmitting to and from her mind. No correction; more like probing. Aralina’s lips moved, but Hiera held up her hand for silence. We do not require verbal communication to understand one another. I have a plan; shall I provide you details? Aralina visualized her words of thanks in her mind and nudged them towards Hiera. Thank you for the protection. Do you know this creature? She felt a thrill communicating with Hiera using telepathy. Few in her village could hear her when she tried to share her thoughts using Magh. We know this beast. He is a demon and must use mortal men to stalk those he wishes to capture. He seeks to control this group of men–who call themselves The Fellows of Balor—to steal their powers. Balor was a most despicable being who hailed from a race of demonic entities called Fomorians. People said that Balor's nasty eye resulted from looking into a potion his father's Druids brewed, and the fumes from that potion caused one of his eyes to grow grotesquely large. Many legends claim he could kill his enemies with this eye, for it spewed poisonous gases into the eyes, heart, and lungs of his enemies if human, and might even kill immortal beings. Although, I have not heard true tales of Balor killing immortals like myself. As far as the Fae of the Faerie Pools can see, this group, Fellows of Balor, kills only humans. We can sense the power of others, both human and immortal, these men have only flashes of true Magh. This demon, is he of Earth or elsewhere? Aralina unconsciously shifted her weight back and forth on her heels to her toes. Her body poised in stillness, but restless energy drifted over her body in waves. Hiera felt her discomfort and sent a calming aura toward Aralina. No, this demon who calls himself Asmodeus cannot come to Earth. He has no powers himself. All he can do is attempt to harness powers of others. However, as I say this, I have learned he is stealing powers in Hades and trying to use them to form a body on Earth. Now Aralina, we must get you home. Are you ready? Aralina nodded her consent. In a flash, she laid on her comfortable bed, under the quilts, with a pot of hot tea on the table next to her bed. She had on sleeping garments. She glanced around the modest home and saw a robust fire blazing in her fireplace, all neat and tidy. Suddenly, her exhaustion overcame her, and she closed her eyes and slept. While she slept, her Fae guardian enchanted her tea, and it remained hot and ready for her enjoyment. @B. R. Maryse copyright 2025