The Gates of Faerie

“Who approaches the Gates of Faerie? What is your intention here?”

The archway looms tall over me, energy blurring and snapping in response to unseen currents. I am terrified, but I step onto the platform, facing the terrible beauty that is the Gatekeeper. I’ve thought long and hard how to present myself. I cannot use my own name for fear it will be heard, but if I name myself correctly, they may still let me pass.

“I am Lys Vardi.” I am desire, searching safety in a long-forgotten world.

I hold the thought fiercely underneath my words. I hope my interpretation will be enough to satisfy both questions. Faerie law is capricious, but it relies heavily on intent and will. If I am to live there, I will need both.

“Do you come willingly, knowing that a price must be paid to enter?”

They don’t tell you the price before you agree, but it is understood that you will not be asked for something you cannot offer. I have heard that the price can be a gift if you let it, that the keeper reads your heart and offers you what best pays for what you seek. I have also heard that it is a curse, one designed to break visitors so that the Faerie world can remain untouched.

“I do.”

I tremble, hoping that whatever the keeper reads in my heart is enough to allow me entry. It’s the only place I can be safe, ironic though that thought might be.

“Stand forth.”

I step up to the edge of the Gates. This is the moment where I will be made or broken. Even fear of what I will be asked to give is not enough to budge me from my path. There is nothing I would not give to escape. The Gatekeeper studies me for a moment, and I hold my breath, not quite meeting its eyes, not quite able to look away.

“In payment, you will complete a quest. Find the Lost Wolf.”

Surprise jerks my head up and I stare into its golden green eyes. I’ve never heard of anyone being given a quest as the price. A voice whispers in my head, and one massive taloned claw pushes me through the portal as I struggle to keep it from overwhelming me.

“Good luck, Seeker of the Guardian. Your path will not be easy, but you are worthy.”