CHAPTER 18
The Dryads, female spirits who protected the forests; a different one for each species of tree, had moved from being neutral, to joining our side, as had Bugul Noz, another forest spirit. The constant cold and bad weather was now also affecting the trees in their charge, and they wanted an end to the conflict. They were excellent in providing information on the troops of Cailleach Bheur. They hid in their trees listening to the whispers of the enemy and passed it on to us.
We were also told a large group of Blue Caps had been delivering coal in the Buckingham area, when they were set upon by the Phouka. They had at first taken on the disguise of a pack of dogs, and had changed into large vicious wolves, when they had them surrounded. After a bloody fight, mostly all one sided, all the Blue Caps had been killed, most of them had been torn to pieces by the sharp teeth of the Phouka. This was another huge loss to us, and it was now happening too often.
I knew mankind was suffering greatly and the longer this went on; the more power would be gained by the Witch. Although a National Disaster had been declared; very little help and aid could get through from other countries. The conditions were so severe only a few succeeded. This was not the case with the netherworld. Fairies and the like could travel on a different plane and we had word from Europe.
Our allies overseas had been watching and had decided if Cailleach Bheur won her battle here; she would then try to spread her power, and the nearest countries to Britain would be next. They had joined forces and we were to be sent troops to help defeat her. This had been news we were hoping for, they would be fresh to the fight, and could also bring new ideas.
We set about making more room in the already cramped cottage. Our stores of wood were now moved to the basement and the fourth bedroom was made ready for our new arrivals. Even the large garden shed was prepared, with camp beds set out and herbs and spells to protect it.
A few days later, the leaders of our new allies had arrived, and our spirits were lifted. We settled them in and regrouped in the kitchen for a welcome meal and introductions.
First to introduce herself was Corisande; from the Mellusina fairies of France. She was so beautiful and was adorned with jewels. Her clothes were exquisite and seemed to be made from the finest silk.
Eirikr was the next to come forward. He was an Elf from the Nissa of Scandinavia. He seemed a very jolly and friendly man, with deep blue eyes that made you feel safe when looking in them. A large dwarf, named Aage, greeted us; his clan was the Kobalds from Germany. These were mainly mining dwarves who helped out the mortal miners, but were no strangers to battle.
There were two fairies standing and I turned to the first and nodded. She said her name was Bay and she had brought with her troops from the Brittany clan of Fees. The other fairy had wings that glistened like a spider’s web in the morning dew. This was Lucia; she had brought with her the Hada De Luna; the moon fairies of Spain.
A very large and handsome man, stood back from the others. I walked over to him and took his hand to lead him nearer the group. With my small stature he towered above me. I turned to him and said; ‘Would you like to introduce yourself to the group? We are all friends here.’
He spoke and his voice was like honey, so smooth and gentle. ‘I am Jarl; I bring with me some of the Huldafolk from Scandinavia. Forgive me, but we are usually very reclusive and do not like to mix. We agreed to come to stop this Witch, as we will have no one rule over us.’ I smiled and nodded. I made the introductions from our side and bid them eat and drink as they must be hungry from their journey.
Although the conversation was strained to begin with, it soon loosened up as we discussed the events and the progress of the war. We heard of the fear of the Europeans because of the lack of news coming from our country. There had been cries that the end of the world was coming, and of course the religious fanatics had said it was a warning from God. The governments had a collection of the top scientists and meteorological experts to try to figure out what was happening, but they couldn’t come up with any one reason for the devastating climate change of the United Kingdom.
They had been testing the temperature of the seas surrounding us though, and they were dropping at an alarming rate. The shores of neighbouring countries were beginning to cool down, and this is how the decision to send help had been agree.