Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #15 June 2015 | Page 6

wen said quietly.

“I know.”

“What would you have us do, My Queen?”

Ella took another deep breath and wiped at her eyes.
“Gather the soldiers that remain. I want everyone
in the village on the mainland brought here before
Rosenrot’s forces get to them. After that...” she paused
with a shuddered sigh, “we will figure it out as we
go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Vertrouwen bowed and left the
queen to her thoughts.
#
Queen Ella sat on the window sill of her private room,
watching the ocean, the commotion of the courtyard
far below.
“What am I going to do?” she asked the white cat in
her lap.
“You can always save them all.”
Startled by the unfamiliar voice, Ella turned to see
who had entered her chambers. The solid oak door
remained closed and securely bolted.
“Hello?” Lifting the cat she slowly stood, eyes darting
around to every dark corner.
“Greetings,” said the voice again.
Ella looked down in confusion towards the source of
the voice.
“Would you be so kind as to set me on the bed?” the
cat asked her.
Ella stood suddenly in surprise, dropping the cat to the
floor.
“I guess I can do it myself,” it said as it jumped up
onto the bed.

“Who-? What-?” Ella brought her hand to her mouth
unsure whether to laugh or scream.
“Who. My name is Ermine White. What. I am a fairy
of the Greater Faewood.” The cat lowered its front in a
strange bow.
“Why is a fairy of the Faewood here?” Ella asked,
forgetting her shock of seeing a talking cat.
Jumping into the air and flashing into a white bird,
Ermine flew over and landed on the sill next to Ella.
“To help you, of course.”
“How? Do you have some sort of magic that will keep
Rosenrot away from my lands?” Ella leaned in to look
closely at Ermine.
“Oh my! No no no no no. There are few in the Greater
Faewood that would even have a chance against the
Red Queen and her magic. This wou