He was carried away on windy wings to distant and blurry realms. It felt warm and nice. As if cuddling in his bed at home on a cold winter's night. He floated somewhere in between worlds and even if he had his eyes closed, he could still see soft colors dancing around him. Then, the colors came together, twirling until melting into the deepest darkness. If he hadn't felt the fell on the hard ground, he would have thought he was dreaming. He didn't open his eyes. Not just yet. He could smell bark, summer grass, and hot air, the smells he knew so well and loved so much.

Somewhere afar, he could hear voices and branches snapping under heavy feet. He opened his eyes. Darkness. Darkness everywhere. Every now and then, the darkness was pierced by flashes of light, oozing through the silent trees. He wanted to move, but his entire body hurt. He felt his left hand numb. He realized someone was squeezing it. It was Matilda, also lying beside him. He raised his head and he could see another person stunted on the ground. Danny.

The voices came closer. Ferry tried to say something, anything, but he choked on his words. He tried to stand, but the trees and lights began twirled, and he fell.

"We found them," he heard a voice nearby. Then, the footsteps came closer and the flashlights blinded him. Arms lifted him up, and he felt the caress of gentle, beloved hands. Soft fingers tips dripped over his forehead. Ferry felt the silky touch of soft hair on his cheek, the scent of cookies and freshly washed laundry. Home.

⃰

The children's disappearance had seriously shaken the peace of Goodharts; more than all the others had before. No one expected three children simply vanishing off the face of the Earth. When one of the locals discovered Ferry's gloves and Matilda's shoes at the edge of the forest, they knew that was the place where they had to look. They've searched the whole forest, inch by inch for three days and three nights in a row. Even the Police in the Big City had joined the search.

A geologist was called. He soon discovered that the soil of the Shepherd's Forrest and its vicinity had special properties. It was soft and it could easily crumble in case of heavy rain. And there were heavy rains the weeks before Danny's disappearance.

The specialist offered a complicated, yet logical explanation the local people gladly accepted, relieved they didn't have to worry about vanishings for another seven years. The soil ─ the geologist explained ─ became too light, and that caused the formation of a grotto where children could easily fall. And that's exactly what happened in the children's case. Then, the grotto was covered with branches, leaves, and soil brought by the wind. Also, it was too abrupt for them to come out, so the children were captive inside. How the children ended up in the same grotto, two weeks apart, that was a tricky question. But it didn't matter anymore, since they were found, safe and sound.

Danny Stevens' survival was a different story. This time, the explanation, pretty convenient for that matter, was given by Mr. Porter, the reporter. In Ferry and Matilda's case, only three days had passed, so they probably survived with rainwater and roots. While Danny's organism has been feeding out of his own fat for two weeks. Which was probably why he was so thin now.

Yet, there was something else that troubled the calmness of the town even more than the children's disappearance. During the search, the entire forest was scoured inch by inch. So it wasn't long before the secret tunnel was found ─ the tunnel leading to Mrs. Cobbs's house.

The discovery of the tunnel, but mostly the discovery of Mrs. Cobbs's secret was the scariest, yet delicious news that was to stay on everyone's lips for a long, long time. The fact that Mrs. Cobbs has kept her husband locked up for so long was revolting for the role model people of Goodharts. Precisely for not knowing how to deal with such abominable action, the Police in the Big City was appealed to. An officer came to watch Mrs. Cobbs's house while her poor husband was sent to live the rest of his life in a shelter for elderly people, outside the town.

Now, the whole town was boiling. What made the old lady torment her husband for so long? Was he an abusive husband? Did she lose her mind when her little girl disappeared? Was she completely innocent when it came to her girl's vanishing?

Without further considering the situation, the local people proclaimed Mrs. Cobbs the town's villain. Her name was now mentioned at every corner of a street, and at every shelf of the grocery store.

Mr. Porter took full advantage of the new events in town. His newspaper was selling like bread. Details about the new and old happenings kept on coming. Even more, Porter himself came up with some fantastical theories to feed people's imagination and taste for... discussions.

As for Ferry... After everyone was sure that the children were safe, he was covered in his mother's hugs and kisses.

His father, instead, bawled him out as soon as he saw him coming to his senses.

"You gave us such a fright, boy," he chided him. "You'll have some explainings to do when we get home." Yet, Ferry couldn't help noticing a shade of pride in his voice. Of course, it was crazy in their part going in the search of Danny. But eventually, they had brought him back. A lot thinner and confuse, to be fair ─ a sign Baldie kept his promise and flew him over the Valley of Oblivion. But other than that, safe and sound. From that moment on, Danny was not to gain weight again. Nor mistreat Ferry and his friends. He would always look at Ferry with a shade of wonder in his eyes and the sparkle of a lost memory of fairyland.

At home, Ferry ate a whole cheese pie and then drank three glasses of milk. Right after that, he went to sleep. He slept in his bed with fresh sheets for a day and a night in a row. It was a dreamless sleep, the deepest, most restful he'd ever had.

Then, he woke up and ate some more, this time vegetable soup and the lovely lettuce sandwiches only his mother knew how to make.

His birthday had passed, but it didn't matter. He was grounded to his room for a week. But that didn't matter either. What really mattered was that he was home. He'd found out from his mother that Matilda and Danny were all right. Ben and May had come visiting, but Ferry was still punished so he couldn't see them. He knew he was to see them soon and that made his heart race with joy. But beyond all the excitement of returning home, he still had a weight on his chest. What had happened to his fairy friends? To Matilda's mum. Or to Lavender Sky. She was the one to worry him the most. If Saraid was right, the Far and Away charm could kill her. And he couldn't bear the thought of losing her, now that he finally knew he had a sister. A sister! And a fairy one, on top of it all.

That evening was unusually hot. It was midsummer, after all. Yet, he felt like there was something else in the air. Like a desire. Or an unfulfilled wish. The dinner was delicious and his mother outdid herself, as usual. Ever since he was home, she's been cooking only his favorite dishes. That evening, Ferry made a feast of a delicious and juicy vegetable hodgepodge. The dinner ended with a big, fluffy wild berries pie, the best pie in this world and beyond.

Now he was lying in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The sleep was not coming. His thoughts were racing, again and again, towards the same person. Oona.

The quiet evening wind entered through the open window, making the curtains dance. It reminded him of the fairies' dresses, of their crazy, beautiful dance. The fairyland seemed something far and surreal now. Like a dream. But the scratches and bruises on his body were proof of how real and scary the whole experience was.

The day they were found, Dr. Goody made him a brief examination.

"Well," he said in the manner of someone who's seen a lot, "these are the obvious signs of traumatism on the score of the fall. And the fact that none of the children can't remember anything it's also a cause of the traumatic experience they've been through. And trust me," he added with a serious air, "it's best that they don't remember. It's best that we all forget about this incident and get along with our lives."

Those were the thoughts of all the grown-ups of Goodharts, for that matter. But Ferry knew that his life as he knew it was not to be the same anymore. His thoughts were interrupted by a flap of wings. Before he knew it, Baldie was in the middle of his room.

Ferry jumped off his bed at his sight. Baldie stood there for a moment, then Ferry felt his arm on his shoulder. He looked up at him and smiled.

"I'm so happy to see you, Baldie," he said. But then, he turned nervous, "Tell me, how are the others? Is everyone all right? How is Izzy?" And the questions kept on coming. "I'm sorry I couldn't come out, but I was grounded..."

"Don't worry, Ferry. Everyone is all right."

"What about... Lavender?"

Baldie looked like hesitating for a while, "She's fine, too. We've all changed after this journey. It's important that we're all fine."

Ferry took a deep breath and sat on the edge of his bed. Baldie took a seat in front of him on the chair near the bed.

"I have so much to ask you," said Ferry in a low voice. "Sometimes, I wonder if it was all real."

"It was as real as can be," Baldie nodded. "Sometimes, we have to get through the worst to realize it's real... So we can move on."

But Ferry had more questions, "What happened to the Moon's Tear? What about the Raven's Stone? "

"Unfortunately, the Raven's Stone was lost. But don't worry, I can get you another."

Ferry was considering. "I'll think about it," he eventually said.

"The Moon's Tear is in a safe place," Baldie continued. "There are only three beings to know about the place. And it's best for you not to know. The burden would be too heavy and you would be in danger."

"But what if I need the Spear of Justice?"

"You don't have to let this thought trouble you. When time will come, the Tear shall come to you. And you'll do justice once more. But how about you," he asked, "did you take back your backpack? And the feathers?"

Ferry nodded. Yet, there was something else troubling him.

"What about everything that happened to me? The flight, the Spear of Justice... I still don't know what all of these mean... You're still keeping secrets from me. And I need to know, Baldie. Who am I? What do I have to be prepared for? "

Baldie stood up. He headed towards the window and looked at the sky and the stars.

"It's a long story, Ferry... They are old happenings and dozens of nights would not be enough to tell. But you shall know the answer to all the questions that have been tormented you. In three days, there'll be a full moon and we shall all meet at Lavender's cottage. You shall find your answers there."

⃰

The punishment was over. His parents agreed that he had learned his lesson and he could now enjoy the summer holiday like the rest of the children. Just like all the grown-ups in town, his parents were happy to forget. They almost didn't mention his disappearance as if it never happened.

Ferry was free now. But he chose to stay home, under the walnut-tree. Every now and then, the wind brought jasmine fragrances from the eternally- blossomed bush. He needed to think. He could've spent the day with Matilda and Ben. Or he would've gone to see May. Or maybe visit Miss Summer, now that she was absolved of any guilt related to the children's disappearance.

There, behind the eternity of the white sheets, he felt at peace. Now that he'd been talking to Baldie, he felt some sort of relief. But the ache was still there, stinging when he least expected. The thought of not knowing what happened to her hurt the most. Yet, he was sure about one thing. That Oona's life wouldn't be easy from now on. That she had dues to pay and blame to bear on her small shoulders. He knew he couldn't do anything to help her. And that was the hardest to bear.

Late in the afternoon, he let his mother know he was going out for a walk and he would be back for dinner. He found himself following the less-traveled streets of the town. The backpack felt heavy, although there were only three feathers inside. He tried to hide in the shadows of the falling evening. He didn't want to meet someone he knew and answer prying questions. He walked all the way to the Oak Alley. As the name said, the alley was bordered by old oaks and a tunnel was formed from the embrace of their branches. The light could barely penetrate on the Oak Alley, even in the daytime, and the vegetation was scarce because of the shadow. A carpet of leaves and branches that snapped at every footstep was now the alley.

The night was already wrapping the town in its shadowy arms. The few houses that still existed at the end of the Oak Alley were, in fact, the oldest in town. The night's bugs and birds were gone, in search of a more welcoming home. So it came as no wonder for Ferry that he couldn't hear any sound. The air around felt a bit thicker, forcing him to take a deep breath. A squirrel crossed his path, a shadow dashing in the rich foliage.

Ferry stopped. At the end of the alley, a house emerged, its garden overgrown with roots and weeds. Mrs. Cobbs's house. He gathered his courage and opened the heavy, rusty gate. A long, lamenting creak was heard in the darkness that took over the deserted garden. The sweets in the trees were long consumed by insects and birds; the jars and spoons were sinisterly jingling in the soft wind, accompanied by the creak of the old trees.

Ferry went up the stairs and knocked. He waited for a while. After all the things he'd seen, the house still gave him the chills. He eventually heard the echo of footsteps and of doors opening. It took forever. Then Mrs. Cobbs's niece, Tootsie, appeared in the doorway. Without saying a word, she made way for him to enter. Ferry went through the long corridor. A man's voice stopped him before he could reach its end.

"What are you doing here, boy?"

The man came out of the shadows. At the faint light of the lamp on the corridor, Ferry could see he was wearing a police uniform.

"I ─ I came to see Mrs. Cobbs," Ferry muttered. "She knows me..."

"Leave the boy in peace," he heard Mrs.Cobbs's husky, yet firm voice. "He won't help me escape if that's what you're afraid of. Go figure," she sniffed, "a boy like him and a blind, old hag like me. How far do you think we'll go, in this place that has eyes everywhere?"

The police officer retreated in the shadow he came from.

Ferry stood still at the entrance of the drawing-room. The old lady Cobbs sat in her rocking chair in front of the fire which was burning even during the summer. But the room was still cold as if no fire, no matter how big, could ever chase away the cold that took shelter inside the walls. The smell of old memories and regrets was even heavier.

"Come closer," demanded the old lady. Ferry stepped closer and stood in front of her.

"Take a seat, if you can find one," she continued in the same harsh tone. "And don't worry. No one will hear us. Tootsie has finally found an enjoyable occupation ─ to stuff that policeman with cookies and tea and listen to his boring stories about a world she'll never know. I never heard her giggling so much."

Ferry did as asked. He took a seat on a velvet stool, once red in color. He looked up to her. She looked older than he remembered. Her snow-white hair was perfectly styled in an elegant bun as usual. She was wearing a silk dress with long, vaporous sleeves. The tall collar covered her thin neck up to her chin. A cameo brooch on the collar was the only piece of jewelry she was wearing. Her feet were covered with a gray wool blanket. The fire in the fireplace was casting shadows and lights on her wrinkled face. But the eyes seemed alive and Ferry saw a sparkle in her dingy eyes. She was staring at him.

"You look different," she said. "You've changed. How does the other world look?" she asked.

Her question took him by surprise. "How do you know ─"

The old lady laughed. "Oh, come on, boy! This whole town knows that whatever happens in that forest it is not of this world. But they're just cowards and they'd rather hide behind their small, perfect life. They are lying to themselves that they are the ones to rule their own lives; without realizing they're just some dusty puppets skillfully handled by a puppeteer from the shadows."

Ferry couldn't fully understand her sayings. She looked like she knew the truth about Shepherd's Forest and it was no use to pretend anymore.

"It's beautiful," he said. "Beautiful and frightening. Welcoming and dangerous. I've seen a lot but understood so little. I'm still wondering if it was just a dream..."

Mrs. Cobbs laughed, "Oh, my dear boy, dreaming would've been nice, believe me. But once you saw the other world, once you met the Unseen, once you know that there's a new, unknown world beyond our senses, you will never be the same again. You've changed the moment you step foot into their land. They are real. They've been real for thousands of years or maybe more. Long before we came to this world."

Then, the silence fell. The old lady was quiet, lost in thought. Her eyes sparkled in an eerie way. A log snapped in the fire waking her up from her daydreaming. She looked at Ferry dead in the eye.

"Tell me, have you met her? Have you seen my Poppy?"

He nodded. That moment tears fell like rivers from her old eyes. She took out a handkerchief from the sleeve of her blouse and wiped them out. That was useless because new ones kept on falling.

"How is she?" she asked in between sobs.

Ferry took her hand and held it. "She's fine... She thinks she's a fairy. She's jolly and sprightly. And she has a big, beautiful heart."

The old lady swallowed with difficulty. "Does she remember me?" she asked after a while.

Ferry slowly nodded. "She still has the doll you gave her. And the lucky charm bracelet."

She smiled between the tears. "Then I can die in peace."

"You mustn't think that way," he said.

She laughed bitterly, "Oh, yes, my sweet boy. I feel the end is near. I won't have too much to live in the place they're going to take me. It's time to pay for my sins. I wasn't the kindest person. I made mistakes and I hurt a lot of people. My husband, my daughter, Tootsie... Even the people of this town. I was only hoping to see my little girl one last time..."

And then her sobs filled the sad room again.

"I can help you see her again," said Ferry looking into her eyes.

She didn't seem to understand. She shook her head, "There is no time. Soon, they will take me away. There is no time..."

"You don't understand," Ferry insisted. "I can help you escape. I can help you leave this place and go to fairyland."

She stopped sobbing, looking at him with great interest, "But how?"

Ferry slowly took two feathers out of his backpack. He hated he couldn't keep his promise and return all the feathers to Billy. He hated the fact that now he owed him. But he had no choice. It was the only way to help Oona.

He looked around to be sure no one was listening. "Here," he whispered, placing the feathers in her palms, "the read feather opens the door to fairyland. And the blue one will help you turn invisible."

The old Mrs. Cobbs closed her eyes and caressed the feathers with her fingertips. Ferry slowly put his hands over her shivering hands. She stopped, looking at him.

"But you have to promise me something," he said as serious as a fairy-boy can be.

"Anything," she said without blinking.

"You have to promise me you'll help the fairy who was like a mother to Poppy all this time. You have to promise me you'll help Oona."

"You have my word," she said, holding his hand.

Ferry smiled and stood up, preparing to go. But she was still holding his hand. Tight. Stopping him from walking away.

"Before you go, you must remember this," she said, heavily breathing, "people in this town are more connected to fairies than they would like to admit."

Thank you for joining me in the writing of this story! I couldn't have done it without you :) Let me what you think ;)