Page 120 of The Knucker King

“Really!”

“How do you know that?”

“The rectory, the place where they stored the foul oil the iron was mixed with, it was destroyed in the storm, and the substance with it,” she explained.

There was another pause. “It was the iron that poisoned my Kingdom not the oil.”

Avice huffed. “I am aware. But think about it. Iron would just sink, or if it was molten, it would cool and turn solid again once it touched the water. They would have suspended it in the oil somehow to make it flow. If you destroy the substance it is mixed with, it will not flow from the rivers into your well.”

She felt his purr reverberate through the crystal, and it sent a delightful tingle up her spine. “My little witch is clever.”

“Thank you.” Avice glowed from the praise and continued down the path with a spring in her step. “How are Hope and Boarden?”

“I have not had an opportunity to enquire about them. Would you like me to?” he asked.

“It would be wonderful if you could. I am visiting their mothers tomorrow, and it would help them to hear news of their children,” she replied.

Another pause, and Avice worried she may have asked too much of him.

“You have already figured out I have a challenging time saying no to you,” he grumbled.

“I have to use what powers are under my command,” she teased, and then softened. “I am looking forward to seeing you soon, Lord.”

“I feel the same. I miss you, very much,” Trewoofe sighed. “And I have a confession.”

She tightened her grip on her pendant. “What is it?”

“I have not yet slain the Tall One who harmed you,” he admitted. “He has fled Tall-led, and I am tracking him now.”

“It has only been a day,” Avice comforted. “You already saved Mary, and that is remarkable. In fact, you offered life for three children of Lamorna. Lord, you are extraordinary.”

His purr deepened, and the crystal shook in her grip. “I want to show you my home. Once he is dead, will you come with me? If you wish it, you could even stay.”

Before she knew it, Avice stepped through the ward into her garden. “I would love nothing more.”

“You make me a very happy Knucker, Avice.”

Butterflies fluttered in her belly. “You make me happy too.” She let out a dreamy sigh. “Lord, I have just arrived home. I will see you not tomorrow, but the day after.”

“Make sure you rest,” he said. “Sweet dreams. I will miss having you in my arms tonight.”

“Good night, my King.”

She pressed her pendant to her chest, wearing a dreamy smile, as she walked up her garden path with her familiar by her side, ready to turn in for the night.

45

Chapter 45

Trewoofe

By the time Trewoofe stomped into Tall-led, he was ready to rip something apart. His crest flared red, and his eyes blazed as he made for them like an arrow shot from a bow.

The crystal-encrusted tunnel that led to the entryway of their territory loomed ahead. The ancient stone archway was carved with all manner of forest animals: engraved rabbits being chased by foxes, and the foxes being chased by hounds – the hounds were horned and two-tailed; artistic renderings of the Wild Hunts the Tall Ones used to conduct and how they had fallen from being the ruling Faerie of the land above – the once beautiful and dangerous beings had diminished into shadows of their former selves, twisted by hatred and grief.

His mood was not improved when a pair of Tall Ones – the Queen’s guards – crossed their spears in front of him, denying his entry into her throne room.

A savage snarl ripped from him. “How dare you!”