The stars in the Avalonian sky seemed to move quicker than those in the mortal world, and by their own strange order. They beckoned to Demona, reminding her that she must continue seeking Old Felix in order to pass his test, but the firelight filled the cavern below with the dancing shadows of her clan's children and that and the echo of their voices held her captive there. But sudden silhouettes against the bright starlight above her announced the arrival of the two new brothers, and caused her to break away at last and flee from them. The arriving brothers told the rest of having met Goliath on the beach and how he'd asked for their help in finding Demona, or at least, the location of Old Felix the Healer. As she hurried away, choosing to shun the path and keep under the cover of the forest, she could hear the party disbanding and heading their separate ways. She wasn't aware that she was one of the things they were searching for, or that they did so at Goliath's request. If she had been, she might have allowed herself to be found, even though she had been too ashamed to approach them. The shadows of four young ones passed over her and she clung to the side of a tree to keep from their sight.
As she watched them gaining distance, it suddenly occurred to her that she might just have committed the greatest folly possible in not having spoken to them when she had the chance. She knew from Angela that the Avalon clan had encountered Goliath and that he had fought gallantly alongside them to protect their lives and their home. Not only would they have most likely been willing to help her in rescuing Goliath and Lexington, there was a good chance that they might have an idea of where Old Felix had taken them. Feeling like an utter fool, she wondered where her sense had been and she resolved that if she was fortunate enough to encounter any of the young ones again, she would not cower senselessly in shame, but ask for their help, no matter how it pained her.
She also realized that hiding under the cover of the canopy was of no use to her. She didn't know where she was going or how to get there, and while she had fair reason to fear the Children of Oberon, she had far better reason to wish to be found. She'd been so enchanted by the encounter with her clan's children, she had no idea how many hours she'd lost there, completely distracted from her mission. She now chastised herself, for submitting to the enchantments of Avalon was precisely what she'd wished to avoid and she'd already failed. But, regaining her determination, she quickly ascended the tallest tree she could find, so that she could collect her bearings.
The foreign, chaotic star patterns of the Avalonian night sky were of no help determining direction or how much time had passed since she'd regained her true form. The view from the direction she'd come, seemed to lose its form in the darkness, and she wondered if there wasn't some fog or mist, distorting it. The opposite direction, however, was clear and she could see the sea and the horizon in the distance. To her right, she saw a distant smoking mountain that stood out clearly against the rest of the island. A ominous, red glow illuminated the bottom of the smoke cloud and the sight of it repelled her.
To her left, on a peninsula of the island that jutted out into the sea, were the lights of what could only be the palace of Lord Oberon. She studied it curiously, trying to recall all that her daughter had told her about it. Angela had been raised there, within its walls, and she had told her many wonderful stories of having grown up there with her brothers as sisters. So much so, that Demona had been able to confidently pick some of them out by name as she'd watched them in the cave spring. Of course, the castle had been abandoned then, and was now reclaimed by Lord Oberon, Lady Titania, and their subjects. But throughout their youth and childhood, it had been their sanctuary, where they had grown in peace and freedom, nurtured by their three human guardians.
Demona grimaced at that unwelcome thought. She bore no more ill will toward the child, Tom, than she bore toward any other human, which was still a substantial amount of hatred. But it was the cruelest of ironies, that the same vile pair who had taken advantage of her clan's protection while subjecting them to contempt, humiliation, and abuse and who had imprisoned her innocent brethren in eternal sleep, had also ultimately given up power and privilege in the mortal world to live in exile and raise their precious children with dignity and love. At least, this was Angela's claim, and while Demona had strong doubts regarding the vain and cruel princess' capacity to truly love gargoyle hatchlings, she was helpless to dispute the reality that they had been kept safe and well cared for.
For a long time, Angela had seemed unwilling to let her mother forget this distressing inconsistency. Demona supposed Angela thought that if she were constantly reminded of these indisputable examples of human goodness, she would eventually realize that not all humans were evil. Unfortunately, as far as Demona was concerned, Angela could have lured in the first crack-dealing mugger she found on the street and presented a more compelling example than the Princess Kathrine. Furthermore, Demona would have much rather composed and performed an entire Broadway musical about the heroic virtue of Detective Elisa Maza than listen to her daughter speak of how much she loved the noble humans who had raised her. But as much as she was tempted, she couldn't bring herself to hurt her daughter by sharing any of the details of their past cruelty. So Demona was resigned to listen in silent pain. That is, until one night, when Angela brought the issue up unexpectedly. Somehow the sudden discomfort in Demona's face finally registered with her and she realized that her mother's pain went far deeper and more personal than her typical, generalized contempt for humanity. She had been careful since then, not to bring up either the Princess or the Magus. A favor for which Demona was very grateful.
Now she looked on at Oberon's palace with apprehension, for she knew the reality of the two remaining guardians was waiting to face her there. But its towers were the only light on the horizon, and she was somehow certain that was precisely where she was meant to go. She gritted her teeth and let go of the tree trunk, leaping into the air and allowing the breeze to fill her wings. As the wind caught and carried her upward, it also seemed to fill her with a sense of confidence, though she had no more knowledge or clarity than she'd had a moment before.
Aside from the brief trip from the council tower on Bain Felix, to the docks from which they had departed, Demona had not had the freedom to glide in over three years. Now carried on the strength of her own wings, she was able to consider the possibility that Old Felix was wrong about her. After all, Angela thought enough of her to take care not to hurt her. She had forgiven her so much, Demona realized, and had shown her love without any reason to believe that she was capable of loving her in return. But Demona did love her and she'd been prepared to die, if that was what was best for her daughter. But now she meant to live for her, and there was nothing she wanted more than to free her and the others of this curse that threatened them.
Hudson had spoken of hope for her as well, Demona remembered as she soared through the sweetly fragrant air. He'd said that she hadn't failed as long as she kept fighting. And she intended to do just that, no matter what impossible task Felix required of her. And there was the little halfling who always wanted to do impossible things. He liked her and wanted to be her friend, though she worried a bit that he had put himself in danger from the Weird Sisters by trying to help her. The idea of them harming him enraged her and had her dreaming up threats that were probably far less impressive in real life than they sounded in her head. If they thought to go after her halfling friend, she had a long, thick, iron chain with their names on it!
She thought of the elders on Bain Felix, who had given her that chain for protection. Their chief elder had offered her sanctuary in their home, despite Goliath telling them of her many crimes. They were virtually strangers and they saw some worth in her. Even Goliath himself, who could no longer love her as he once had, still saw something in her worth fighting for. He'd said so himself, the night he'd taken her to swim in Xanatos' pool. She laughed at that thought. And then there was Xanatos, arrogant miscreant that he was, who repeatedly claimed to be her friend. "Who could ask for a better endorsement than that?" she asked herself sarcastically, laughing again as she glided over the treetops toward the palace.
Realizing that she was not nearly as alone as she had once been gave her courage. She might not be quite as pure of heart as the virtuosic heroes to which Old Felix had become accustomed. That much, she had to grant. But however lacking Felix would judge her broken heart, she was there to get that stone, break a curse, and save her clan. If someone could name a more pure or noble motive than that, well, good for them! And what she lacked in virtue, she surely made up for in defiance, wrath, arrogance, cunning, and involuntary immortality.
"So what if I have no idea what that old trickster has planned for me? ", she asked herself out loud, "It's Old Felix who has no idea who he is dealing with!"
It had been so long since she had known such freedom, and it left her feeling strong and ready to face whatever was before her. But the words of the elder at the start of their journey from Bain Felix returned to her, and she saw the recklessness of landing directly on Lord Oberon's battlements. So, she descended just short of the palace, and landed in his Lady's garden instead.
Such an enchanting and lovely place, she could never have imagined. Nearly overwhelmed by cascades of glowing silver and gold blossoms that seemed to illuminate the rest of the unearthly foliage, she entered with a mixture of reverence and anxiety. The peaceful glow of the moon flowers was accompanied by a soft, crystalline ringing, as if a chorus of wine glasses were singing a joyful hymn. Even the scent of the place was intoxicating, and it was all she could do to keep from settling on a soft and inviting patch of moss and allowing the hum of the garden to lull her into a well-needed rest.
"But I would never awaken," she realized with a sense of alarm, as she glanced suspiciously about the garden, noting the oddly placed sculptures of various creatures in copper, marble, and jade. There was an assortment of man, maiden, fairy, elf, and many others. But even in their imprisonment, they seemed enraptured, as if in their last living moments, they beheld all their sweetest dreams come to life.
"Who defends a fortress with a garden instead of a moat?" she reasoned as she eyed the figures mistrustingly, "Only those with the power to enchant. This place is a temptation meant to distract and capture would-be enemies!"
"Not only enemies, my clever child," corrected a voice and Demona spun around, prepared to attack, but she came face to face with a figure so imposing that she was stopped in her tracks. The magical being appeared before her in the form of a fair-faced, lithe woman with long tresses of red hair, cold domineering eyes, a form that glowed with pure magic to the extent that it was hard for Demona to look at her for long without turning away. Remembering the wise advice of the elder, she quickly bowed with respect. As she did, she sensed the being approaching her and she rose again, just as quickly, to find that she had come fearfully close.
"Are you Lady Titania, Queen of the Third Race?" Demona asked reverently.
"I am," the lady replied, a look of amusement rising in her expression.
"Your majesty," Demona began, with another short bow, "I-
"I know you," Titania laughed, "You are the mortal that's the cause of all the fuss around here tonight!"
"I didn't mean to cause you any trouble, your Majesty," she replied, "I only came to find Old Felix the Healer, and gain one of his precious healing gems."
"So, I've heard."
Her voice was unnerving in its calmness and she looked at Demona with an eerie interest. The fairy queen reached for her, touching her face, and Demona cringed as she felt the freezing, burning, sensation of pure magic coursing through her, leaving her dazed. Titania smiled at her with a look that one might take for fondness.
"I rather like you," she declared, her cool voice suddenly becoming affectionate, almost seductive.
"Do you?" Demona replied hesitantly, "Will you help me then?"
"Oh, I could never do that!" she laughed, as if speaking to a silly child, "That would be cheating! Rules are rules, you know. Especially on Avalon!"
"Can you tell me anything?" she tried again, "What am I meant to do? I feel as if I've completely lost the path. Is there a clue I'm missing?"
"It's all about what you choose," the fairy queen replied cryptically, "But, come and sit with me a while. I wish to hear your stories! I have the most delicious Avalonian fruits, cakes, and spiced wine that will heal you and give you strength for your journey."
"You are most gracious, your Majesty. But I've no hunger. I must go on with my quest."
"Do you like my garden?" Titania asked, ignoring her pleas.
"It is beautiful," she admitted in a frustrated tone, "But-
"Thank you, my child," she interrupted, "I planted the moon flowers myself, for the gargoyles that now guard my palace. They are lovely, magnificent creatures like yourself. There are many handsome, young warriors among them as well! I could summon some here for you, my dear. Would you like to see them? Talk with them?"
"Thank you again, your Majesty," she pleaded, "But I have to find Felix. He took Lexington and Goliath away. Do you know where he might have taken them?"
Titania smiled at her, and taking another step closer, she reached to stroke her hair with one hand as she gestured toward a large pearly basin of water that stood on a pedestal beside the path. The water rippled, and Demona saw Goliath's face, reflected on the surface of the water. Quickly, Demona approached the bowl, looking for a clue or a sign of Goliath's whereabouts and how she might reach him. But then she paused, for Goliath's expression was not one of a captive, but of desire. Even though it was clearly an illusion, his beckoning gaze aroused her. She drew away quickly, looking at the fairy queen in confusion.
"I could bring Goliath here for you as well," Titania tempted slyly, "You could stay alone with him in my garden, as long as you like. You'd like that wouldn't you, my dear? Night after night, you could have him all to yourself, talking, reading, making love. It would be no trouble at all for me. Indeed, I would take great pleasure in your pleasure."
"No," she replied softly, then repeated it louder, "No!"
"You can't fool me," Titania teased, "I can easily see what your heart truly desires."
"You are very powerful, your majesty," she replied, "And you may see what my heart longs for, but it seems you don't fully understand it."
"Don't understand it?" she scoffed, "Do you think only mortals understand the desire for a lover?"
"Your Majesty, Goliath truly loved me once. And I truly loved him. There is no greater happiness than that. What you offer has been offered to me before, but it isn't real! It would never be enough. It could only break me and drive me back into madness."
Titania turned away from her bitterly, staring into the reflective bowl herself now.
"Your mortal concept of love is fascinating to me," she confessed, "I wanted it once. I yearned for it. I tried to have it for myself, but it proved to be one thing I could not possess."
"I'm sorry, your Majesty," Demona replied gently, not knowing what else to say.
"Nevermind," she replied, her voice suddenly becoming haughty again, "It was never within my nature. And besides, I now have Lord Oberon, the greatest and most powerful being in this world, as my lover and husband once again."
"Yes, your Majesty," Demona replied, trying desperately to get the conversation back on topic, "Thank you anyway, for your kindness. Can you tell me, at least, where I should go to find Goliath now?"
"Rescuing Goliath is not your trial, child," Titania explained, "He is free now, at least in a sense. He roams the island along with the rest of the gargoyles, searching for you. But he won't find you in time. Avalon will see to that. Not until the ordeal is over will you be reunited."
Demona was relieved to hear that Goliath and Lexington were safe, but this new revelation left her even more confused. If it was not rescuing her companions, what was it Felix intended her to do and where was she to go to do it? She had felt so sure that the palace was her goal. Now it seemed she was back to the very beginning again. Suddenly, Demona seemed to pause in place. Thoughtfully, she raised her eyes above the curtain wall, to the lighted tower above them.
"Then the entire clan has left the palace?" she asked Titania.
"Except for Princess Katherine and the Guardian," she confirmed, "They're all out looking for you."
Demona turned slowly, studying the curtain wall of the castle. A strange darkness had overtaken her countenance.
"They've left the castle unguarded?" she stated cooly, "That was unwise."
"What are you thinking, Child?" Titania asked her in an uneasy tone but Demona seemed too preoccupied with the single light in the window above to answer her.
"Oh, come now!" Titania scolded in an amused tone, "You're surely not going to shun my inviting and well-executed temptation of lust, only to turn around and immediately succumb to bloodlust!"
Demona didn't respond, though she had begun to tremble slightly as she took a few steps toward the castle.
"You mustn't," Titania warned in a more serious tone, "Have you forgotten your trial? Your quest?"
"I haven't forgotten," she assured her, "But when else will I get the chance to be free of her?"
As if hypnotized, she continued through the garden, toward the curtain wall. Titania called after her several times, but she could no longer hear her over the battle of grief, guilt, and wrath, raging in her head as she climbed.