Story of the Week: A Darker Faerie’s Tale

Portrait of a Fairy by Sophie Anderson (1869).

Looking for a quick excursion to the land of fairy? Look no further than “A Darker Faerie’s Tale” by James Crofoot at Silver Blade Magazine. But this isn't Tinkerbell's fairy land. This community of fae live peacefully in a secluded wood. Intruders don't leave, at least not for a long time. They're put to sleep for a century. The fae don't kill. Goblins, who have no qualms about killing and torturing, are a constant threat and the fae must be ever vigilant.

Taylenel and Clarrisa are young fairies in love and, as the young are wont to do, don't always pay attention to warnings when distracted by their amorous pursuits. The pair fly too close to the border and Clarrisa falls into the clutches of some Goblins. Taylenel convinces the Queen to grant him a sword and leave to pursue Clarrisa's captors outside of fairy. The Queen warns him that pursuing this quest may not be wise but his love for Clarrisa motivates him to take any risk. Taylenel pays a price for his venture, higher than he could ever have imagined.

Crofoot's tragic story celebrates love and sacrifice with a strong dose of the cautionary tale. The hero succeeds to a point, exacting a revenge that his heart demands, but Crofoot reminds us that success does not always lead to happiness and those who pursue honor and wisdom often travel a very lonely road.

To learn more about James Crofoot and his work, visit his blog at CrofootWrites.