Brandon Mull Quote

Flanked by Warren and Tanu, Kendra started forward. As she neared the peninsula, her companions hung back. She felt generally peaceful about proceeding, and decided the absence of an identifiable warning meant the Fairy Queen would welcome her visit. A pair of tall women stepped out from behind the trees, blocking her path. One had flowers braided into her auburn hair; the other had leafy vines twisted into her dark plaits. Their layered gowns reminded Kendra of springtime foliage shimmering with dew. Each woman held a heavy wooden staff. Where did you come from? asked the woman with dark hair, her voice a resonant alto. You tread on sacred ground, warned the other. Warren and Tanu hustled up beside Kendra. Tanu was a large man, but these women stood half a head taller. The woman with dark hair arched an eyebrow. Would you threaten us with weapons? From both sides and behind, other dryads emerged from the trees. We are friends, Kendra said. I have urgent business with the Fairy Queen. This one has a queer aspect, whispered the dryad with the auburn hair. Indeed, the other dryad whispered back, and she speaks our tongue. I speak many languages, Kendra said. The dryads looked stricken. Even our secret dialect? asked the one with auburn hair. Kendra stared up at them, hoping her eyes displayed more confidence than she felt. I am fairykind, a servant of the Fairy Queen. These are my companions. The dryad with the dark hair narrowed her green eyes. After a moment, her posture became less threatening. I apologize for our abrupt greeting. These are troubled times, and it has long been our task to protect this shrine. We’ve heard of you, but did not recognize you. We have never encountered a mortal quite like you. We now see that you belong among us. Thank you, Kendra said. My friends can’t come to the shrine with me. The