Free Faerie Path #6: The Charmed Return by Frewin Jones

the first time.
    “Tania!” she said, and her voice was strong and happy. “I have seen you so often in my mind—but I never dared hope to embrace you more!” She jumped up and ran into Anita’s arms.
    “I don’t remember you. . . .” Anita said awkwardly, folding her arms stiffly around the girl. “I’m sorry.” She gave Edric an uneasy look over Zara’s back.
    “It matters not,” said Zara. “You were in the same pickle when first you came into Faerie. And a merry time we had of it convincing you of your birthright then!”
    “Indeed,” Rathina added, smiling. “Most stubborn you were!”
    “There is no need of persuasion this time,” said Zara. “Be seated, sister mine, and we shall see what we shall see.”
    “I’m sorry?” Anita said.
    Zara laughed. “Sit! Sit! I would run barefoot through your mind.” Quite gently, but purposefully, she pressed Anita into a chair. “I will return your memories to you, Tania. I have new skills now that I am . . .” She paused, her face clouding for a moment. “But no matter. Let’s to business.”
    Anita looked anxiously at Edric.
    “You’ll be fine,” he said, resting the forgotten glass of milk on the table and crouching at her side. “And if this works . . .”
    “I’ll remember?”
    He nodded.
    Jade looked dubious. “Is this going to be like one of those TV shows where some guy hypnotizes people into thinking they’re chickens?” she asked.
    “Hush,” Rathina murmured. “I know not what is coming.”
    The kitchen became silent. Anita was aware of all eyes on her. Her father and mother were standing together at the back door, watchful but unspeaking.
    Anita felt Zara’s hands come down lightly upon her head.
    For a few moments nothing happened. Then Zara began very softly to sing.
    “Spirits of love, let the lost child return
    Spirits of joy, make her gentle and strong
    Spirits of air, let her thrive and grow
    Spirits of blood, let her veins be warm
    “Spirits of fire, light a spark in her green eyes
    Let it grow in your eternal flame
    Spirits of life, let her remember times past
    Bring her back to herself and to me
    “Spirits of water, flow through her and make her whole
    In the sea that has no shore, the sea of memory
    Let her swim in you and know you and love you
    Let her learn and become and be
    “Spirits of earth, let her walk again upon you
    Through the meadows of your land’s grace
    Let the sunlight shine upon her beloved face
    Let her true self run free”
    As Zara sang, Anita felt warmth rippling through her from the princess’s gentle hands. It seemed to her that Zara’s voice was joined by others—soft, dulcet voices and deep, sonorous voices all singing counterpoint and descant to the aching melody until her head was filled with song.
    An image poured into her mind like a flow of soft golden light. Endless green hills folding away to a blue horizon. And herself—hand-in-hand with Zara—running through the tall grass. Looking about them as they ran. Searching for something. It was an early morning and the dew was like honey on her bare feet and the singing was all around them.
    “It is not enough.” Zara’s voice was a sharp knife through the song. “I cannot do this thing alone. Master Edric—take her hand now.”
    Anita’s heart throbbed in her chest. A warm hand slipped into hers, and she felt enveloped in a deep love and understanding. In her vision she turned her head, seeing with a rush of joy that Edric had appeared at her side, running through the pastures with her, searching with her.
    “And yet more,” said Zara. “Master Clive, Mistress Mary—lay your hands upon your daughter—she is in need of your love.”
    Anita felt hands coming to rest on her arms. From the blue infinity of the sky, her Mortal mother and father appeared beside her—running with her. Her heart filled with happiness.
    “Sister—she needs more. And you, Mortal girl, come, join the dance, let none hold back when all are