Return of the High Fae (Vegas Fae Story Book 1) by Tom Keller Page A

Charlie started barking and wagging his tail at
the tree. Suddenly it began to shimmer. A golden glow surrounded the bottom
part of the tree and someone materialized. Well, it was more like they popped
into existence. It was a woman in late middle age. She had dark hair with
streaks of white. She was dressed in a white top with a shawl draped around her
shoulders and a pleated dress. It took me a moment to realize who she was. It
was my Aunt Cacilia.
    "What the hell?" I stuttered as she walked toward
me.
    I looked at Charlie. His tail started to droop, but then it
sprang back up. He gave me a look, one that almost said danger, but I didn't
hear anything in my head. Maybe he was smarter than I thought.
    "Robert," she said, her eyes meeting mine.
"Robert, I do not know how this could happen. I will have to explain some
things to you now." She walked over to me and sat down. "We were only
trying to keep you safe, you must believe this." She leaned forward and
put her hand on my arm. "But first, I must know what occurred. Tell
me."
    "Aunt Cacilia? What the hell is going on? How did you
get here?"
    "Relax, Robert, all will be explained. But please, tell
me what has happened so far."
    "Relax... damn it!" I started to get up and then
thought better of it. I mean I did need some answers. "Fine... I'm
sorry... it's just been an insane week and now this! What do you want to
know?" My mind was in a thousand places at once.
    "You must start at the beginning."
    So I told her the whole story. Almost. After what could only
be a warning from Charlie, I left out the fights with the Werewolves. Something
didn't seem right, so I held back that bit. I told her about the attack at the
Neptune and some of the rest, including being able to understand Charlie when
he talks to me. When I was finished, she stood up.
    "This is troubling. We had hoped to spare you from such
things."
    "Spare me?" I repeated. "Spare me from what?
What the hell is going on? Wizards, wands, magic spells and potions. I feel
like I've stepped into a bad movie! Or is it some alternate reality?" I
walked over to the BBQ island, grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, popped the
top and sat back down. Taking a large gulp, I continued. "I had people
shooting at me with wands that I ended up having to kill. Now I've got family
popping out of trees. I would really like an explanation."
    "It is a long story," she said.
    "Well, I've got plenty of time. Let's hear it." I
took another drink and waited.
    "I will have to start with some history," she
began. "It seems you've heard a bit of it but I will tell you more.
Especially as it relates to you and your situation." She leaned forward
and looked directly at me. "In the beginning, the world was a different
place. Many creatures of the Fae roamed the earth. Nymphs, Trolls, Sprites,
Dryads, fair creatures and beasts you have heard of only in myth. They were all
here when the world was young."
    "It was a wonderful place. Creatures of the land, sea,
and sky moved over the Earth. For the most part, life was good. The Earth
provided for them and they protected it. Oh, I don't mean to say that all was
perfect. There were minor squabbles here and there. There always are, you see.
But for the most part, it was peaceful. We even got along with mortals in the
beginning. I suppose it was too good to last."
    "What do you mean?" I asked. "What
happened?"
    "It is difficult to explain, but when man came, we
changed. He saw us as Gods and began to worship us. Although we were no better
than he was, some of us began to believe they were better. As they were more
powerful, they placed themselves above those with less power. That led to wars
and battles for dominion over others. Dark creatures began to challenge us.
This was The Fall and it was a bad time for us. Many of us perished, or
just faded away. Earth's history is full of these stories. They call them myths
and legends, but believe me, they are based in fact. It couldn't last, although
we did not