UnSeelie Dreams XVI

Soaked and chilled to the bone, he cautiously moved toward the dim flame which stood on the water’s edge. The weight of the coins reminded him to tie the bag tightly to his belt. Muddy tartan clung to him, chafing his thighs as he kept walking.

He placed his hand on the chain anchored to the dock and gazed out across the murky surface. He could make out nothing of another shore or island which Faun said would be there. Slowly out of the pitch a raft drifted to the dock. At first he didn’t see anyone guiding the small vessel until he felt more than just the chill of the night air.

A shade placed its hand out to him. Remember, the voice spoke softly to him. He dug out a coin and placed it in the palm. The shade moved aside to allow him passage on board. He knelt numb with fear and shock as it pulled against the chain, moving across the river.

He kept his eyes straight ahead as they floated along until they were totally enwrapped in twilight. Stars seemed to peer up out of the water. Everything appeared upside down. Were they sailing on the sky? A soft musical note poured out of the elements and into him. They glided for eternity and the further from land the more he lost himself into the depths. Mesmerized into enchantment he continued to stare out into the void.

A soft glow appeared before him, a first it seemed to be another star on the horizon, but as the barge drew closer it grew in size. Shallow waves lapped against the edge awakening him from his stupor. He slowly realized the light was coming from the other shore.

The island appeared to be clouded in shadow for only the orange glow gave any indication of land at all. As the shore came into view, he noticed a thicket lining the coast. His clothing was still damp and he shivered against the chill in the air. He stood up as the barge hit upon shore and stepped onto the soft sand.

Bramble thorns covered the entire area. He wondered how in the hell he was supposed to navigate his way through the mess. He turned around to find the shade and raft gone as if they had never existed.

Follow the ivory to the heart.

Ivory? He moved closer but kept out of reach of the thorns. He started to notice a pattern of ebony, ivory and silvery vines entangled together. The opening to the labyrinth gleamed like polished bones. He drew in a deep breath and entered in careful not to get scratched.