CHAPTER TWO
"Puck pay attention." Snapped Luna, as she hit the young child with a ruler. Puck, who looked to be no more than a two or three years old, rubbed the sore spot on his hand. He grunted, trying to pay attention to Luna's table manners lesson.
She picked up a spoon from the mock place setting in front of the child, "This is a spoon, what is the proper function of this utensil."
Puck plucked the spoon from her hand, delicately placing it on his nose, "This." He erupted into a fit of giggles. Luna clenched her fists, ready to beat Puck, when Oberon entered the room. Luna stiffened, "My lord."
Puck's face fell, spoon crashing to the floor. Oberon looked at the frazzled Luna, "Leave us."
Luna bowed, whispering, "Now, you're going to get it you twerp."
Puck swallowed the lump in his throat. Oberon glided over to Puck, who was looking around for an escape route. "I will not hurt you." He summoned the spoon to his hand, sitting next to Puck. Puck was still frowning. Oberon offered the spoon and Puck took it, giving Oberon a grin. Oberon gave Puck a warm smile. Al though he hated to admit it, Puck looked and acted just like their mother. It made him miss her terribly, another thing he would never admit. Yet, he loved this boy, his brother, like a son. Their familiar features even made people on the island question Puck's true origin. Titania would not bear him any children, so Puck was the closest thing to a son he was going to have for awhile. HE caressed the boy's cheek, "Puck, would you like to come work for me?"
"And do what?"
"Be my servant and advisor. You would go with me on errands into the mortal world. I would send you to fetch things for me."
Puck considered the offer carefully. Oberon saw the raw power he has suppressed bubble in the child's brain. This power made Puck's mind more an adolescent than a child. Puck turned quickly to Oberon, "My lord, I shall be your servant, but may I have a favor in my service?"
"Ask and I shall see."
"I wish to be trained in your magickal arts, not these parlor tricks the thing with three heads is teaching me. I know I can do more, I know I can make you proud of me."
Oberon was speechless for a moment. Did he dare teach Puck enough to surpass himself for he knew with the right teacher Puck could destroy him with a thought. Yet, the child did have the right to learn more than tricks. He would be a better servant for it, "I agree."
Puck squealed, showing his true age, leaping into Oberon's arms, "Thank you, my lord. I will make you proud." Oberon hesitated briefly before returning the hug. The plan was falling into place. No one remembered Mab, except a few elders. He had been accepted as leader and Puck as a tribute to his mother and brother who perished somehow during the birth. Now, Puck was to become his servant where he could watch him and make sure he stayed out of trouble.
A hundred years later....
Puck watched as Oberon negotiated with the Fairy Lord, Titania's father, to close more portals to the mortal world. "Your daughter has a tendency to go into the mortal world, interfering with their lives."
The fairy King, who was a jolly, Santa Claus type, chuckled, "MY lord, our goal is to only serve the humans in keeping their own magic alive. It was decreed by Mab..."
"She is dead," Oberon bellowed. Puck fell to the floor, with the force of Oberon's yell. He took two steps away from Oberon's side, it was safer that way. What made Oberon so mad when Mab was talked about among the people. She was their old Queen, and a loved one according to the elders. He hurt thinking about her even though he had never meet her. He crossed his arms, wondering if Oberon hurt too and that's why he didn't talk about her. He looked to see Oberon and he were standing the same way, even the thin hard line their mouth made in thought. Puck dropped his arms, he hated it when they did similar things. HE knew Oberon made him, but did he have to make him so similar. His thoughts were interrupted by Oberon's hard voice, "Puck, go to the mortal world and fetch Titania."
Puck bowed, disappearing in a green puff.
India, 800 A.D.
Puck appeared outside the hut of a local witch doctor. HE transformed in a more human disguise. He walk in to see Titania, in all her Fey beauty, sitting next to a pregnant woman, who was crying. Puck walked up on the other side of the bed. He hadn't had much experience with mortals, but he knew she was dying. "My Lady Titania, Oberon has sent me to fetch you."
"Not yet." Puck saw Titania look at him, tears spilling down her face.
Puck frowned, "Is there anything I can do?"
Titania shook her head, "No."
The woman cried, speaking a language that Puck didn't understand. HE understood her screaming though, as she belly contracted. "What did she say?"
"She has asked me to save her baby. To raise him as my own."
"But, Oberon would never allow it. Please, Titania. I know you hurt for her but it is not our way."
Titania waved her hand, sending Puck into the wall with a grunt.
"This woman has been my mortal friend since she was a child. I cannot leave her to die alone knowing that she own child will not be loved. I will take him, damn Oberon. He shall be in my court. My child."
Puck stood, moaning, "ohhh no, You call that child your own and Avalon will break in half with Oberon's anger."
Titania stood, "I don't care."
Puck reached the woman. He saw her eyes dancing with fear and pain. He smiled at her, placing his hand on her forehead. She calmed, the pain slowing and the fear disappearing. She chuckled, taking Puck's hand in her own, kissing them saying the same phrase over and over. Puck looked up at Titania, who was smiling at Puck. "She said thank you Prince of the Fairies."
"I'm not a Prince."
"She thinks you are Puck."
Puck shook his head, "I'm nobody, just a servant." He sighed, "I'll help you smuggle the child back to Avalon, but you must promise me that will not call him your own."
Titania smiled, walking over to Puck, "I agree." She wrapped her finger around a lock of his hair, "Thank you Puck. If only you were a Prince, I would have married you and given you a dozen sons."
Puck pulled away, "Stop it. I feel for your sex trick once and it will only be once."
Titania chuckled, holding her friend's hand, "I didn't hear you complain all night."
Puck shook his head, "If you do not love him, you should just dissolve the marriage."
"I used to love him, but now I can't remember why. He hasn't been in his right mind lately."
"Maybe that's because you have been married to him for over four hundred years and you still refuse to give him a child."
Titania shook her head, "I don't want to create any children. The island has enough."
"Then what is this?"
"This is different."
"No, it isn't." They were about to argue more when the woman screamed. Titania went to the foot of a bed, telling her push in the Indian tongue. Puck held onto her hand, lifting her body forward to push. Within a few hours, the three heard the cry of a baby. Titania laughed, "It's a boy."
Puck snorted, "Of course."
Titania wrapped the baby up, lifting it to the mother. "Diji, it's a beautiful baby boy."
Diji touched his cheek, her breathing starting to slow. Puck, still holding her, saw blood seeping into the sheets. She kissed the baby then looked at Puck, whispering something before she closed her eyes and didn't wake up. Puck covered her body with the sheet, moving away from her. Titania waved her hand over the child, and his dark skin became blue and ears grew to a point. He retained his dark eyes and hair from his mother. Puck stood staring at the white sheet. HE had never seen a human die before and it made his blood cold and his heart hurt. Titania sniffled, "She said not to give up hope, your mother still loves you."
Puck looked at Titania, "I have no mother. I was created by Oberon." He took the child from her grasp saying, "Go. I'll hide the baby."
Titania smiled, kissing Puck on the lips, lingering alittle longer than she should have and Puck knew it. He pulled away, "Proud Titania, my Queen, go." This time Titania knew if was a warning, so she disappeared. Puck frowned, "I'm suppose to be a trickster, when in all of Avalon did I get so serious." He saw the baby watching him with wide yes, "What are you looking at?"
The baby just look at Puck. He sighed, "Let's go." They disappeared, reappearing in the castle. He walked into Titania's private chamber, placing the baby into a pile of pillows in the corner. He smiled, "Now, you stay here and be really quiet." To make sure, Puck waved his hand over the baby casting a sleeping spell. Hopefully, everything would work out.
Two weeks later.....
"What is this," came a bellow that shook the castle. Puck was in the kitchen with Grandmother. She frowned, "It seems the Queen's secret is no more."
Puck nodded, "Should I go see what's going on?"
"No, it would be wiser to just relax while you can."
"Good point."
A few hours later, Puck was bringing Oberon's lunch to him. HE walked into the room to find Oberon sitting waiting. Puck placed the tray down, noticing the windows were drawn and only a single candle next to Oberon was lit. He looked into Oberon's face to see pain and hardness. "My Lord, is there anything else you wish of me?"
Oberon stared at him, "I should kill you for what you have done."
"Done?"
"I know you brought that child here, knowing she would throw it in my face."
"No, it was a favor to a friend, my Lord. She truly cared for the child's mother."
Oberon let out a breath, "How could you do this to me. This child has made a mockery of my throne and power. My own wife will not obey me and she chooses to share her bed with my servant than me."
Puck froze as he set Oberon's plate in front of him. Oberon chuckled, "You think I would not know, Puck. She marked you so I would know."
Puck slowly turned his head, "I'm sorry, my Lord. She treated me."
"Leave me."
Puck left as quickly as possible, fearing what Oberon might do. Oberon watched Puck go, smashing the plate with a fist. It was time to confront Titania. If she wanted this child so badly, he would take it from her.
A day after a Midsummer Night's Dream....
Puck entered the throne room to see the Indian child, playing in front of Oberon. "You summoned me, my Lord?"
"Yes, Kip, leave us please." The young child got up and left in a blue light. Oberon appeared in front of Puck, grabbing him by the throat, "Now, I shall deal with you."
Puck grabbed onto Oberon's fists, trying to pull his hands away, "Oberon it was funny. Even you smiled when Titania made love to that mortal donkey-man."
"Your tricks are too powerful. It will take years to the forest to become normal again."
"So, the mortal have another enchanted forest for awhile. It will give them something to write about in their books. You have denied me any further magick lessons, so I'm doing what comes naturally."
"You interfere in mortal affairs."
"Because you allow me too. You said I had that privilege."
"Not anymore. You are banished from the mortal world until I say you have learned your lesson."
"Well, if I'm just like you I'll never learn my lessons."
"Watch yourself Puck."
"NO, you watch yourself my Lord. You make pacts and then break them with no notice."
"They are my pacts to interrupt. You are so much like your mother." He bellowed. Puck's anger burst remembering Diji's statement. Oberon saw Puck's eyes engulf with green light, breaking his bond on his memory.
Puck screamed, "You mean our mother. You banished her." Puck yanked out of Oberon's hold to kick him in the chest. Oberon fell to the ground. Puck sat on his chest, "You do not deserve the crown you wear." Oberon gathered energy in his hand, grabbing Puck's sides. He screamed as Oberon sent all he had into Puck's body, erasing as much as he could. Puck passed out. Oberon pushed him off, panting and too weak to move. The three sisters appeared beside him, "My Lord, we heard your cry."
Luna and Selene helped Oberon up on staggering legs. "He's getting to powerful."
"Shall we destroy him?"
"No. Lock him in the dungeon with the iron shackles. I will not give him the satisfaction of a quiet death." Use the velvet to do this, he should be out for awhile."
The three nodded.
Puck awoke on the floor of the castle's dungeon. HE looked up, his blurry vision seeing the three witches standing. "What do you want," he spat, lifting him up, wincing as the iron burned his legs and wrists.
"You are a fool, Puck. You should not have talked back to your Lord."
"Look where it had gotten you," commented Phoebe.
"How the mighty have fallen," smiled Luna.
"Talk back? What are you talking about? I don't remember this. The last thing I remember is Titania kissing the mortal and Oberon loving it."
The three smiled, Oberon was the powerful one. They left, Puck snarling after them. He heard them whispering, "As long as Puck live, Oberon's throne will always be threatened."
"He should have drowned him at birth."
Puck's eyebrows flew up. Was he Oberon's real son? HE had heard rumors from the people. It made sense. They had the same face, magick and temper. It would also explain why he was always favored when punishments were given. Puck sat down again, his legs feeling numb with the iron. There was as a single piece of a mirror on the floor. Puck laid on it, falling asleep.
The surface began to ripple and a slender hand reached through to caress his cheek. Puck stirred but never woke. The hand ran through Puck's hair sending energy to Puck. The bruises on his neck healed as well as the welts on his wrists and ankles form the iron. Slowly, the hand returned to the mirror, leaving a grinning Puck to sleep.
Mab pulled her hand out. It had worked. She was able to get through just long enough to touch her son. Something was happening to Oberon, he was getting weaker. Mab smiled still looking at her hand in excitement.
A young man with the head of a Coyote ran down into the dungeon. He ran past the cell, jerking to a stop. He ran back to the cell, "Puck, thank Avalon I found you."
Puck opened his eyes, "What's going on?"
"Bedlam." Coyote answered, opening the cell door. He wrapped his hands and undid the iron locks, "Titania has refused Oberon again. They are fighting something fierce. All the children are afraid. We need to go hide."
Puck smiled, as Coyote picked up, "I've never seen you so scared."
Coyote stopped, "You would be too if you saw what there fighting is doing to the island."
Puck's smile clicked off like a light, "What's wrong with my island?"
"Your island?" Coyote questioned as the last shackle fell. Puck rubbed his wrists. Why did he say that? Why did it seem right? He walked past Coyote, running as they got to the stairs. With Coyote on his heels, Puck ran outside to see darkness. The grass was brown and brittle, making a terrible crunching sound when stepped. The sky was black with clouds that looked as if they would cry at any moment. Trees bet like wet noodles dark and dead as the rivers ran oily water. "How?"
"I don't know, but I figured since you were Oberon's servant and all, you could help cool him down."
Puck turned to Coyote, who winces at the powerful demeanor his trickster friend possessed. He looked down and yelled, "Puck." Puck looked to see the grass under his feet was lush, green, and alive. He quickly looked to see Coyote kneeling, "I knew you were the Puck reborn."
Puck snorted, "Yeah right. Why would a past King be reborn into a servant?"
Coyote stood, smiling, "Well, if you were the bastard son of a King, maybe."
Puck grabbed Coyote's shoulder, "Stop. Let's get to the castle." The two ran to the castle as the clouds wailed, letting their tears flood the island. Puck and Coyote walked down the hallway, letting their magic dry them. "Where is everyone?"
Coyote sighed, "Hiding."
They got to the door to the great hall. Ivy and snakes intertwined the door as a lock. Puck looked at Coyote, who was shaking with hear. Puck placed a hand on his shoulder, "Go, hide with the others. I've been on the receiving end on Oberon's anger for so long its second nature to me."
Coyote smiled, "True, but you can't go in there alone."
"I will and I am."
Coyote nodded, "Puck, I pledge my loyalty to you. If ever you were to challenge Oberon, I shall be at your side. Avalon does not come to life for just any Fey."
Puck smiled, "Thanks, but I don't think I'll be that crazy anytime soon."
Coyote disappeared. Puck turned to the door, wondering how he was going to get into the hall. He reached for the handle but a snake snapped at him. The room was guarded so his magick wouldn't work. He tried for the handle again, this time the snakes and ivy moved away. Puck pulled the handle, rushing into the room.
Oberon and Titania were both on each side of the room, engulfed in green light. Puck stood at the door, dumbfounded. The couple was screaming in an ancient Fey language that sounded like thunder and struck like lightening. Puck took a deep breath before walking in between them. Titania and Oberon, confused by the interruption, stopped their assault. Oberon bellowed, "How did you get out."
Puck put his hands up, "My Lord and Lady, Avalon cannot take much more of this punishment. Please, stop."
Titania walked over to Puck, "I agree. This is childish. My husband, let this end."
Oberon walked over, "Will you bear me a child?"
"No."
"Then this will continue."
"Why?" Screamed Puck, "You do not need an heir. You are the Lord and Master of Avalon."
"That is not the point. A child is the fusion of two souls in the name of love among our kind. She does not love me."
Titania sighed, "I used to my Lord. I loved you more than anything, but you strayed from me first. Puck is too similar to you to be your creation by anything other than another woman."
Puck stared at her. She said what he had thought so many years. He looked at Oberon, "IS it true?"
"NO, it's not Puck. You are my creation, nothing more. Titania, you should know better than to question my love. I'm going to teach you a lesson for it. One that all the children will suffer thanks to you. My father left my mother for anyone woman, a mortal woman. She made him mortal before my eyes so he could be happy with her. I think you need to learn loyalty to your mate and find the love you lost for me."
Puck stood by Oberon's side, "What are you doing?"
"Teaching you all humanity. Humans had the power to take my father away with their love, so maybe you all will learn it and return to be, loving me the way that I love you. From this moment on, I banish everyone on this isle to live in the mortal realm until I call you home."
HE disappeared, leaving Titania and Puck in the Hall. Puck felt a tug on his body. Titania took his hand as they were thrown into the mirror. They landed on a hay field somewhere in England. Titania looked at Puck, he was frowning ready to cry. "You had to open your mouth."
"Puck, you understand I was trying to hurt him. To make him see how much he hurts me."
Puck stood up, "You used me! How am I suppose to take that..not you have gotten us banished."
"We could travel together, Puck."
Puck shook his head, "No, I'm going off on my own. I'm going to find out what's missing in my life. To find out what it means to love and have that love not carry a price. If I see you again before the Gathering, it will be too soon. My Queen." He bowed quickly before disappearing. Titania hit the hail bail, she was on her own. What was she going to do now?
Oberon smiled as he looked through the mirror, "Good boy, Puck. Teach her a lesson."
He turned to the three sisters, "You three will stay here as guardians. See no magic
but Avalon's own enters. I am going to the mortal realm as well."
The three bowed to their master as he disappeared.
"Puck pay attention." Snapped Luna, as she hit the young child with a ruler. Puck, who looked to be no more than a two or three years old, rubbed the sore spot on his hand. He grunted, trying to pay attention to Luna's table manners lesson.
She picked up a spoon from the mock place setting in front of the child, "This is a spoon, what is the proper function of this utensil."
Puck plucked the spoon from her hand, delicately placing it on his nose, "This." He erupted into a fit of giggles. Luna clenched her fists, ready to beat Puck, when Oberon entered the room. Luna stiffened, "My lord."
Puck's face fell, spoon crashing to the floor. Oberon looked at the frazzled Luna, "Leave us."
Luna bowed, whispering, "Now, you're going to get it you twerp."
Puck swallowed the lump in his throat. Oberon glided over to Puck, who was looking around for an escape route. "I will not hurt you." He summoned the spoon to his hand, sitting next to Puck. Puck was still frowning. Oberon offered the spoon and Puck took it, giving Oberon a grin. Oberon gave Puck a warm smile. Al though he hated to admit it, Puck looked and acted just like their mother. It made him miss her terribly, another thing he would never admit. Yet, he loved this boy, his brother, like a son. Their familiar features even made people on the island question Puck's true origin. Titania would not bear him any children, so Puck was the closest thing to a son he was going to have for awhile. HE caressed the boy's cheek, "Puck, would you like to come work for me?"
"And do what?"
"Be my servant and advisor. You would go with me on errands into the mortal world. I would send you to fetch things for me."
Puck considered the offer carefully. Oberon saw the raw power he has suppressed bubble in the child's brain. This power made Puck's mind more an adolescent than a child. Puck turned quickly to Oberon, "My lord, I shall be your servant, but may I have a favor in my service?"
"Ask and I shall see."
"I wish to be trained in your magickal arts, not these parlor tricks the thing with three heads is teaching me. I know I can do more, I know I can make you proud of me."
Oberon was speechless for a moment. Did he dare teach Puck enough to surpass himself for he knew with the right teacher Puck could destroy him with a thought. Yet, the child did have the right to learn more than tricks. He would be a better servant for it, "I agree."
Puck squealed, showing his true age, leaping into Oberon's arms, "Thank you, my lord. I will make you proud." Oberon hesitated briefly before returning the hug. The plan was falling into place. No one remembered Mab, except a few elders. He had been accepted as leader and Puck as a tribute to his mother and brother who perished somehow during the birth. Now, Puck was to become his servant where he could watch him and make sure he stayed out of trouble.
A hundred years later....
Puck watched as Oberon negotiated with the Fairy Lord, Titania's father, to close more portals to the mortal world. "Your daughter has a tendency to go into the mortal world, interfering with their lives."
The fairy King, who was a jolly, Santa Claus type, chuckled, "MY lord, our goal is to only serve the humans in keeping their own magic alive. It was decreed by Mab..."
"She is dead," Oberon bellowed. Puck fell to the floor, with the force of Oberon's yell. He took two steps away from Oberon's side, it was safer that way. What made Oberon so mad when Mab was talked about among the people. She was their old Queen, and a loved one according to the elders. He hurt thinking about her even though he had never meet her. He crossed his arms, wondering if Oberon hurt too and that's why he didn't talk about her. He looked to see Oberon and he were standing the same way, even the thin hard line their mouth made in thought. Puck dropped his arms, he hated it when they did similar things. HE knew Oberon made him, but did he have to make him so similar. His thoughts were interrupted by Oberon's hard voice, "Puck, go to the mortal world and fetch Titania."
Puck bowed, disappearing in a green puff.
India, 800 A.D.
Puck appeared outside the hut of a local witch doctor. HE transformed in a more human disguise. He walk in to see Titania, in all her Fey beauty, sitting next to a pregnant woman, who was crying. Puck walked up on the other side of the bed. He hadn't had much experience with mortals, but he knew she was dying. "My Lady Titania, Oberon has sent me to fetch you."
"Not yet." Puck saw Titania look at him, tears spilling down her face.
Puck frowned, "Is there anything I can do?"
Titania shook her head, "No."
The woman cried, speaking a language that Puck didn't understand. HE understood her screaming though, as she belly contracted. "What did she say?"
"She has asked me to save her baby. To raise him as my own."
"But, Oberon would never allow it. Please, Titania. I know you hurt for her but it is not our way."
Titania waved her hand, sending Puck into the wall with a grunt.
"This woman has been my mortal friend since she was a child. I cannot leave her to die alone knowing that she own child will not be loved. I will take him, damn Oberon. He shall be in my court. My child."
Puck stood, moaning, "ohhh no, You call that child your own and Avalon will break in half with Oberon's anger."
Titania stood, "I don't care."
Puck reached the woman. He saw her eyes dancing with fear and pain. He smiled at her, placing his hand on her forehead. She calmed, the pain slowing and the fear disappearing. She chuckled, taking Puck's hand in her own, kissing them saying the same phrase over and over. Puck looked up at Titania, who was smiling at Puck. "She said thank you Prince of the Fairies."
"I'm not a Prince."
"She thinks you are Puck."
Puck shook his head, "I'm nobody, just a servant." He sighed, "I'll help you smuggle the child back to Avalon, but you must promise me that will not call him your own."
Titania smiled, walking over to Puck, "I agree." She wrapped her finger around a lock of his hair, "Thank you Puck. If only you were a Prince, I would have married you and given you a dozen sons."
Puck pulled away, "Stop it. I feel for your sex trick once and it will only be once."
Titania chuckled, holding her friend's hand, "I didn't hear you complain all night."
Puck shook his head, "If you do not love him, you should just dissolve the marriage."
"I used to love him, but now I can't remember why. He hasn't been in his right mind lately."
"Maybe that's because you have been married to him for over four hundred years and you still refuse to give him a child."
Titania shook her head, "I don't want to create any children. The island has enough."
"Then what is this?"
"This is different."
"No, it isn't." They were about to argue more when the woman screamed. Titania went to the foot of a bed, telling her push in the Indian tongue. Puck held onto her hand, lifting her body forward to push. Within a few hours, the three heard the cry of a baby. Titania laughed, "It's a boy."
Puck snorted, "Of course."
Titania wrapped the baby up, lifting it to the mother. "Diji, it's a beautiful baby boy."
Diji touched his cheek, her breathing starting to slow. Puck, still holding her, saw blood seeping into the sheets. She kissed the baby then looked at Puck, whispering something before she closed her eyes and didn't wake up. Puck covered her body with the sheet, moving away from her. Titania waved her hand over the child, and his dark skin became blue and ears grew to a point. He retained his dark eyes and hair from his mother. Puck stood staring at the white sheet. HE had never seen a human die before and it made his blood cold and his heart hurt. Titania sniffled, "She said not to give up hope, your mother still loves you."
Puck looked at Titania, "I have no mother. I was created by Oberon." He took the child from her grasp saying, "Go. I'll hide the baby."
Titania smiled, kissing Puck on the lips, lingering alittle longer than she should have and Puck knew it. He pulled away, "Proud Titania, my Queen, go." This time Titania knew if was a warning, so she disappeared. Puck frowned, "I'm suppose to be a trickster, when in all of Avalon did I get so serious." He saw the baby watching him with wide yes, "What are you looking at?"
The baby just look at Puck. He sighed, "Let's go." They disappeared, reappearing in the castle. He walked into Titania's private chamber, placing the baby into a pile of pillows in the corner. He smiled, "Now, you stay here and be really quiet." To make sure, Puck waved his hand over the baby casting a sleeping spell. Hopefully, everything would work out.
Two weeks later.....
"What is this," came a bellow that shook the castle. Puck was in the kitchen with Grandmother. She frowned, "It seems the Queen's secret is no more."
Puck nodded, "Should I go see what's going on?"
"No, it would be wiser to just relax while you can."
"Good point."
A few hours later, Puck was bringing Oberon's lunch to him. HE walked into the room to find Oberon sitting waiting. Puck placed the tray down, noticing the windows were drawn and only a single candle next to Oberon was lit. He looked into Oberon's face to see pain and hardness. "My Lord, is there anything else you wish of me?"
Oberon stared at him, "I should kill you for what you have done."
"Done?"
"I know you brought that child here, knowing she would throw it in my face."
"No, it was a favor to a friend, my Lord. She truly cared for the child's mother."
Oberon let out a breath, "How could you do this to me. This child has made a mockery of my throne and power. My own wife will not obey me and she chooses to share her bed with my servant than me."
Puck froze as he set Oberon's plate in front of him. Oberon chuckled, "You think I would not know, Puck. She marked you so I would know."
Puck slowly turned his head, "I'm sorry, my Lord. She treated me."
"Leave me."
Puck left as quickly as possible, fearing what Oberon might do. Oberon watched Puck go, smashing the plate with a fist. It was time to confront Titania. If she wanted this child so badly, he would take it from her.
A day after a Midsummer Night's Dream....
Puck entered the throne room to see the Indian child, playing in front of Oberon. "You summoned me, my Lord?"
"Yes, Kip, leave us please." The young child got up and left in a blue light. Oberon appeared in front of Puck, grabbing him by the throat, "Now, I shall deal with you."
Puck grabbed onto Oberon's fists, trying to pull his hands away, "Oberon it was funny. Even you smiled when Titania made love to that mortal donkey-man."
"Your tricks are too powerful. It will take years to the forest to become normal again."
"So, the mortal have another enchanted forest for awhile. It will give them something to write about in their books. You have denied me any further magick lessons, so I'm doing what comes naturally."
"You interfere in mortal affairs."
"Because you allow me too. You said I had that privilege."
"Not anymore. You are banished from the mortal world until I say you have learned your lesson."
"Well, if I'm just like you I'll never learn my lessons."
"Watch yourself Puck."
"NO, you watch yourself my Lord. You make pacts and then break them with no notice."
"They are my pacts to interrupt. You are so much like your mother." He bellowed. Puck's anger burst remembering Diji's statement. Oberon saw Puck's eyes engulf with green light, breaking his bond on his memory.
Puck screamed, "You mean our mother. You banished her." Puck yanked out of Oberon's hold to kick him in the chest. Oberon fell to the ground. Puck sat on his chest, "You do not deserve the crown you wear." Oberon gathered energy in his hand, grabbing Puck's sides. He screamed as Oberon sent all he had into Puck's body, erasing as much as he could. Puck passed out. Oberon pushed him off, panting and too weak to move. The three sisters appeared beside him, "My Lord, we heard your cry."
Luna and Selene helped Oberon up on staggering legs. "He's getting to powerful."
"Shall we destroy him?"
"No. Lock him in the dungeon with the iron shackles. I will not give him the satisfaction of a quiet death." Use the velvet to do this, he should be out for awhile."
The three nodded.
Puck awoke on the floor of the castle's dungeon. HE looked up, his blurry vision seeing the three witches standing. "What do you want," he spat, lifting him up, wincing as the iron burned his legs and wrists.
"You are a fool, Puck. You should not have talked back to your Lord."
"Look where it had gotten you," commented Phoebe.
"How the mighty have fallen," smiled Luna.
"Talk back? What are you talking about? I don't remember this. The last thing I remember is Titania kissing the mortal and Oberon loving it."
The three smiled, Oberon was the powerful one. They left, Puck snarling after them. He heard them whispering, "As long as Puck live, Oberon's throne will always be threatened."
"He should have drowned him at birth."
Puck's eyebrows flew up. Was he Oberon's real son? HE had heard rumors from the people. It made sense. They had the same face, magick and temper. It would also explain why he was always favored when punishments were given. Puck sat down again, his legs feeling numb with the iron. There was as a single piece of a mirror on the floor. Puck laid on it, falling asleep.
The surface began to ripple and a slender hand reached through to caress his cheek. Puck stirred but never woke. The hand ran through Puck's hair sending energy to Puck. The bruises on his neck healed as well as the welts on his wrists and ankles form the iron. Slowly, the hand returned to the mirror, leaving a grinning Puck to sleep.
Mab pulled her hand out. It had worked. She was able to get through just long enough to touch her son. Something was happening to Oberon, he was getting weaker. Mab smiled still looking at her hand in excitement.
A young man with the head of a Coyote ran down into the dungeon. He ran past the cell, jerking to a stop. He ran back to the cell, "Puck, thank Avalon I found you."
Puck opened his eyes, "What's going on?"
"Bedlam." Coyote answered, opening the cell door. He wrapped his hands and undid the iron locks, "Titania has refused Oberon again. They are fighting something fierce. All the children are afraid. We need to go hide."
Puck smiled, as Coyote picked up, "I've never seen you so scared."
Coyote stopped, "You would be too if you saw what there fighting is doing to the island."
Puck's smile clicked off like a light, "What's wrong with my island?"
"Your island?" Coyote questioned as the last shackle fell. Puck rubbed his wrists. Why did he say that? Why did it seem right? He walked past Coyote, running as they got to the stairs. With Coyote on his heels, Puck ran outside to see darkness. The grass was brown and brittle, making a terrible crunching sound when stepped. The sky was black with clouds that looked as if they would cry at any moment. Trees bet like wet noodles dark and dead as the rivers ran oily water. "How?"
"I don't know, but I figured since you were Oberon's servant and all, you could help cool him down."
Puck turned to Coyote, who winces at the powerful demeanor his trickster friend possessed. He looked down and yelled, "Puck." Puck looked to see the grass under his feet was lush, green, and alive. He quickly looked to see Coyote kneeling, "I knew you were the Puck reborn."
Puck snorted, "Yeah right. Why would a past King be reborn into a servant?"
Coyote stood, smiling, "Well, if you were the bastard son of a King, maybe."
Puck grabbed Coyote's shoulder, "Stop. Let's get to the castle." The two ran to the castle as the clouds wailed, letting their tears flood the island. Puck and Coyote walked down the hallway, letting their magic dry them. "Where is everyone?"
Coyote sighed, "Hiding."
They got to the door to the great hall. Ivy and snakes intertwined the door as a lock. Puck looked at Coyote, who was shaking with hear. Puck placed a hand on his shoulder, "Go, hide with the others. I've been on the receiving end on Oberon's anger for so long its second nature to me."
Coyote smiled, "True, but you can't go in there alone."
"I will and I am."
Coyote nodded, "Puck, I pledge my loyalty to you. If ever you were to challenge Oberon, I shall be at your side. Avalon does not come to life for just any Fey."
Puck smiled, "Thanks, but I don't think I'll be that crazy anytime soon."
Coyote disappeared. Puck turned to the door, wondering how he was going to get into the hall. He reached for the handle but a snake snapped at him. The room was guarded so his magick wouldn't work. He tried for the handle again, this time the snakes and ivy moved away. Puck pulled the handle, rushing into the room.
Oberon and Titania were both on each side of the room, engulfed in green light. Puck stood at the door, dumbfounded. The couple was screaming in an ancient Fey language that sounded like thunder and struck like lightening. Puck took a deep breath before walking in between them. Titania and Oberon, confused by the interruption, stopped their assault. Oberon bellowed, "How did you get out."
Puck put his hands up, "My Lord and Lady, Avalon cannot take much more of this punishment. Please, stop."
Titania walked over to Puck, "I agree. This is childish. My husband, let this end."
Oberon walked over, "Will you bear me a child?"
"No."
"Then this will continue."
"Why?" Screamed Puck, "You do not need an heir. You are the Lord and Master of Avalon."
"That is not the point. A child is the fusion of two souls in the name of love among our kind. She does not love me."
Titania sighed, "I used to my Lord. I loved you more than anything, but you strayed from me first. Puck is too similar to you to be your creation by anything other than another woman."
Puck stared at her. She said what he had thought so many years. He looked at Oberon, "IS it true?"
"NO, it's not Puck. You are my creation, nothing more. Titania, you should know better than to question my love. I'm going to teach you a lesson for it. One that all the children will suffer thanks to you. My father left my mother for anyone woman, a mortal woman. She made him mortal before my eyes so he could be happy with her. I think you need to learn loyalty to your mate and find the love you lost for me."
Puck stood by Oberon's side, "What are you doing?"
"Teaching you all humanity. Humans had the power to take my father away with their love, so maybe you all will learn it and return to be, loving me the way that I love you. From this moment on, I banish everyone on this isle to live in the mortal realm until I call you home."
HE disappeared, leaving Titania and Puck in the Hall. Puck felt a tug on his body. Titania took his hand as they were thrown into the mirror. They landed on a hay field somewhere in England. Titania looked at Puck, he was frowning ready to cry. "You had to open your mouth."
"Puck, you understand I was trying to hurt him. To make him see how much he hurts me."
Puck stood up, "You used me! How am I suppose to take that..not you have gotten us banished."
"We could travel together, Puck."
Puck shook his head, "No, I'm going off on my own. I'm going to find out what's missing in my life. To find out what it means to love and have that love not carry a price. If I see you again before the Gathering, it will be too soon. My Queen." He bowed quickly before disappearing. Titania hit the hail bail, she was on her own. What was she going to do now?
Oberon smiled as he looked through the mirror, "Good boy, Puck. Teach her a lesson."
He turned to the three sisters, "You three will stay here as guardians. See no magic
but Avalon's own enters. I am going to the mortal realm as well."
The three bowed to their master as he disappeared.