Page 92 of The Light Falls
“You certainly don’t think like the Fae, especially an aristocratic, entitled one,” Fisk says. “Sorry, Camon.” He eyes me for a minute. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
“Essentially, I want to help the Lesser Fae establish their rights as citizens and all that it entails. Immediate rights would include freedom from slavery and the right not to be tortured or persecuted,” I begin slowly, figuring things out as I speak. “Given the land situation with the Fire Fae, the other immediate change would need to be the right to own land.”
Fisk adds one. “If the Lesser Fae are free and have the right to own land, they must be able to change locations without permission.”
Cormal conjures up a piece of paper and starts writing everything down. I’d given him the last treaty to use as a template for this one. I would hate for something to get caught because of a stupid Fae technicality.
“With those rights established, the right to require a trial, equality, vote, gather in groups, serve in the army or government, and get an education can be spaced out. It might take ten or twenty years to get all the rights, but it’s better than a war that will last hundreds of years.” I look into Fisk’s unnerving, light blue eyes. “Don’t you agree?”
“I do,” he agrees. “I never wanted war. Not because I’m afraid of it, but because it would decimate our land and fracture our people. And there are no guarantees we can win. There are too many variables. A treaty is a better solution.”
Everyone takes part in the negotiation. Camon gives us the High Fae and council viewpoints. Fisk and Rivan provide examples of how rights can be implemented to suit both parties. Cormal’s knowledge of the steps the Underworld is taking to address the lack of education and basics for their people is helpful in determining how to do the same for the Fae.
For the rest of the night, we eat and hash out the details of the treaty. We consider the time it will take to execute each step. It’s not a simple declaration of freedom and suddenly everyone complies.
The sun rises, and we each complete one final read through of the draft to make sure there are no mistakes, and all the terms are clear. Once we confirm, we all sign it. Fisk for the Water Fae, myself for the Light Fae Kingdom, and the others as witnesses.
We make a copy for each person, including the witnesses, and one extra one for the council. I pick up the blade on the table, slice my thumb, then add my print to each of the copies. Fisk does the same. Blood is indisputable and lends the treaty authenticity.
Hyne ambles up to us, dripping water and mud, and sits down next to me. Cormal tenses on the other side, but I take his hand to reassure him.
“I don’t want to die,” he confesses to me. “I did. Before last night. I lost my mate, and there didn’t seem any point to it all. The last few years I’ve done everything I could to drink myself to death, but every morning, I woke with the sun.” He tilts his head toward me. “In The Pit, I fought to survive when I could have easily just given up. Everything became so crystal clear in that instant. Thank you.”
“Clarity is a rare thing,” I state softly, looking across the table at Rivan. “Sometimes we need help to see it for ourselves.”
Rivan’s slow smile is breathtaking. “It’s a rare person who helps others stand.”
Fisk stretches and yawns loudly. “Been a long time since I stayed up all night. Now I remember why. I’m too damn old.” He looks at Camon. “Tell Brina I love and miss her. I’ll be glad when this baby comes, and she can come visit.”
Camon inclines his head respectfully. “I will.”
We make our way to the portals.
Hyne holds his hand out to shake, but I refuse with a laugh. “Still not falling for that trick, but if you dry off, I’ll gladly give you a hug.”
In an instant, he’s dry. With Cormal muttering something obscene in the background, I reach up and hug the kraken.
“When you tell this story, make sure you get the details right or I’ll find you and challenge you again.” I crook a finger to make him bend down. “There are worse things than The Pit. Callyx just told me about the Below.”
Someone chokes behind me, but when I turn, they’re all staring at me with an incredulous look on their faces. Kaius, especially. “Damn it. He has no right to be telling people about the Below. Lucifer will have his hide.”
Now I really want to know what it is. I wink at Hyne, but he backs away with his hands up in the air.
Fisk laughs and holds his hand out to shake, and I take it.
“I wasn’t sure what to think about a queen who knew nothing about the light Fae, but you might be the best thing that’s happened to us in thousands of years,” he states gruffly. “Only time will tell if I’m right.”
“I’m just glad I picked the right person to declare war on,” I say, only half joking. “I’m sure the council will meet within the next day or two. I’ll send word.”
Rivan comes and stands in front of me. “I’m leaving the Fae realm. There’s nothing for me here.”
Pain sears my lungs, and I can’t breathe for a second. “Where are you going?”
An optimistic smile spreads across his face. “I’m going to the human world. With the mix of supernaturals, I won’t stand out, and maybe I can build a new life. Something to call my own.”
I wish I could go with him.
“Go to Arden,” I urge him. “She’ll help you get settled, and it will be good to have people you know nearby.”
