Dark Dancer

By Jaleta Clegg

The Seligh crushed,
The captives found,
The barrier broken,
The balmorae freed.

A strange prophecy haunts the Seligh lords, rulers of the Fey and controllers of all magic in the Summerlands, a prophecy that foretells their fall.

A banished Seligh lord rules the Winterlands with an iron fist and his pets, the balmorae, patrol the borders against all intruders, guarding the secrets hidden beneath his icy lair.

A young woman rediscovers her heritage, a gift of magic and dancing that opens portals between worlds. She holds the fate of their world in her hands. All who live within the lands of the Fey must choose where they stand—beside the Dancer or opposed to her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jaleta Clegg
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311852014

Jaleta Clegg

I love telling stories ranging from epic space opera to silly horror to anything in between. I've had numerous stories published in anthologies and magazines. Find all the details of my space opera series at http://www.altairanempire.comFor the latest updates on my stories, check out my webpage at http://www.jaletac.comMy current day job involves teaching kids to play the piano. I also love piecing quilts together, crocheting tiny animals, and watching lots of bad 80s movies.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The girl spread her arms wide, drinking in the summer sun. Her bare feet flashed as she danced across the meadow, twining through the ring of mushrooms sprouting from the soil. She sang a wordless song to the trees and flowers, her only audience. She twirled her thread-bare skirt, setting the fabric swinging around sun-browned legs.

Mist gathered in the center of the mushroom circle, lavender gray, thin as smoke. The girl paused in her dancing to stare. A window formed in the mist, circular and wavering. She stepped closer, curious and unafraid. She peered through the strange portal into a room cluttered with plants, books, scrolls, and all kinds of odd things.

What's this now? A man's face appeared, blocking her view. He lifted a candle to dispel shadows on his side of the window.

The girl cocked her head, wild hair dancing on the wind like a dandelion gone to seed. Why are your ears pointy?

Because I am one of the Seligh, what you would call an elf or a fairy.

You're very beautiful.

His face crinkled in a smile. And so are you, child. My name is Balakyn. He bowed, elegant hand pressed to the green velvet robe he wore. His dark hair, threaded with silver, swept forward.

I'm Sabrina. I'm five and a half years old.

I am pleased to meet you, Sabrina.

She stepped closer to the misty window.

Balakyn raised a hand in warning. Do not touch, child. The portal is not complete. You have much to learn and you are very young. Your power will grow. Someday you may cross to visit me, but not today. Do you understand?

Sabrina nodded, stepping back. The mist swirled. The man's image wavered.

Will you dance again tomorrow? His voice came thin and distant now. Think about me as you dance and I will come. I have much to teach you.

Sabrina! Her mother's voice echoed from far down the hill.

I have to go, Mr. Balakyn.

Remember me, Sabrina.

She smiled and nodded.

The window shrank. Balakyn's green eyes faded with the mist as the portal closed. Lavender streamers dispersed across the grass.

Sabrina skipped down the hill towards home.

Momma? Guess what happened? She ran across the dirt yard to the tiny cabin. Momma? I was dancing in the meadow and this man appeared. His name is Balakyn. Her feet were soundless on the sagging porch.

Her mother stood in the doorway, hands wrapped in her apron as she listened to her daughter's chatter. Her face drained of color. She crouched down, clutching the girl's shoulders. Sabrina, you must never dance in the meadow again. It's dangerous. Do you understand?

But he was nice. He told me he wanted to talk to me. Sabrina patted her mother's cheek. It's all right, momma. I like dancing.

Her mother shook her gently. You can't, Sabrina. It's too dangerous. Promise me you won't dance in the meadow. Fear echoed in her words, shadowed her blue eyes.

Sabrina nodded. I promise, momma.

That's my good girl. Now wash up for dinner.

* * *

Sabrina meant to keep her promise, and she did for a whole week. But the summer sun was so bright and warm and the breeze so enticing, she couldn't stay away from the meadow. She tried not to dance in the soft grasses and sweet flowers. Her feet didn't listen when she told them to stop. She spun and twirled, arms spread wide, hair flying around her face. Before she knew it, the mist had formed and the portal opened.

There you are, Sabrina. Balakyn watched from his dim room. Come close and sit, child.

She sat in the grass beside the misty window. Momma says I shouldn't dance. It's dangerous.

Balakyn nodded. Your mother is very wise. Opening portals uses strong magic. You must be careful. But I will guard you and guide you. You must come so I can teach you. Every day.

But Momma said I shouldn't ever. She made me promise. Her lip quivered. I broke my promise. I couldn't help it. She will be so mad at me.

Then we won't tell her. This will be our secret, Sabrina. Balakyn leaned forward, almost touching the mist. Would you like to call the rabbits to dance with you?

Sabrina stared, wide-eyed, forgotten tears clinging to her lashes. You can teach me?

To bring the rabbits or the birds, yes. To talk with the trees, perhaps. He settled himself on the floor of his room, beside the portal. Tell me, Sabrina, what is your mother's name?

Jewel. I think it's a very pretty name, don't you?

Balakyn smiled. Very pretty. And your father?

Sabrina shrugged. I don't have one. Will you be my Poppa?

Certainly, child, but it must be our secret. He pointed to a spot to her right. Do you see that? A soft bunny. Sit still and sing very softly. Rabbits frighten easily. That is the first thing you must understand if you wish to charm them to your side.

* * *

I can't come tomorrow. Sabrina stroked the rabbit nestled in her lap. Momma says I have to go to school now.

School? Aren't you learning from me? Balakyn toyed with a crystal as he lounged on a pillow by the portal. The misty edges were much firmer now. Sabrina's powers had grown tremendously.

Sabrina shook her head. It's things like reading and writing and where to find Egypt. She says I have to go. She says it will be fun and I'll make friends. But I don't want to go. You're my friend, aren't you?

Always, child. I will miss you.

I'll still come, sometimes, Sabrina promised.

Balakyn nodded. I know you will. Remember, this is our secret. Your mother is coming. I have to go now. Release the power, child. She can't know you've been talking with me.

Sabrina clapped her hands as he'd shown her. The portal snapped closed. The rabbit scurried for the bushes.

Sabrina? Her mother topped the rise into the meadow, her skirts swung across the grass. She saw the circle of mushrooms, the flowers twined in her daughter's hair. Her face hardened. You promised me you wouldn't dance.

I'm sorry, Momma.

Jewel grabbed her daughter's wrist with one hand, plucked the flowers from her hair with the other. You have no idea what you've done. I only hope I can protect us both. She stamped a mushroom, muttering strange words under her breath. Who have you talked to? Who taught you this?

Tears dripped down Sabrina's cheeks. He said it was dangerous, but he promised to protect me and help me. He said I had to learn. He said it was more dangerous if I didn't know my power.

Who? Jewel knelt, clutching her daughter's hand.

Sabrina pulled away, frightened by her mother's intense face.

Tell me his name. She took both of Sabrina's wrists in a tight grip.

Balakyn, Momma. He was nice. He helped me.

Jewel's face twisted in a snarl. You will forget him and everything he told you. Do you understand?

Sabrina shook her head in confusion and fear.

Jewel cupped Sabrina's face with her hands, thumbs wiping away tears. For your own safety, you must forget. She locked gazes with her child. Power swept over them both. Forget, she whispered.

Wind whipped through the clearing, tasting of winter though it was late August. Jewel shivered, pulling Sabrina into a tight hug. Come help me make dinner. I think the berries by the stream are finally ripe. Quickly, fetch your pail.

Sabrina nodded, smiling again when her mother released her. Her bare feet flashed as she raced to their cabin.

Jewel lingered in the meadow a moment longer, staring at the broken circle of mushrooms. She deliberately wiped her shoe clean of all traces of the fungus before following her child.

Chapter 2

Winter wind howled around the cabin. Sabrina glanced up from her homework. She'd grown into a lanky ten year old. Her honey-colored hair strayed from her pony-tail. She twisted her finger through a loose strand.

Finish your spelling, her mother said. Her needle flashed as she worked mending a neighbor's shirt.

Sabrina bent her head dutifully over the paper. Another gust of wind rattled the windows. She jumped. The lantern on the table guttered.

Sabrina, it's just the wind.

Why can't we have electricity like everyone else? You know what they call us at school, don't you?

The county won't run lines out this far. And I couldn't afford it. Now do your homework. Jewel finished the seam and bit off her thread.

Why can't we live closer to town then?

This is our home. Jewel opened her button tin, searching for a match. I thought you loved the hills.

I do, Momma, but if we lived closer then I could watch tv sometimes. I might get invited to birthday parties.

Jewel sighed.

Sabrina scribbled a sentence on her paper.

Wind slammed the shutters. A wolf howled in the distance.

Jewel's head snapped up. She dropped the mending to the floor.

Momma?

Quiet. Jewel stood, eyes half closed. Tiny feet scurried across the roof. Get your coat, Sabrina. Hurry.

Wind howled around the cabin. The flame in the lantern fluttered, shimmering with a sickly green light. The temperature of the cabin plummeted.

What is it, Momma? Sabrina huddled into her coat.

Balakyn. Jewel pulled her own coat around her slender body.

Sabrina's eyes widened as old memories surfaced. I thought he was someone I made up.

I thought the door was closed. Jewel gathered handfuls of dried herbs from a cupboard.

The door is closed, Sabrina said, glancing to the single entrance to their home. It rattled as if someone were testing the latch.

Jewel shook her head. Not that door, child. The one you opened when you danced. He's found a way through. He's coming for me. She grabbed Sabrina's face in her hands, crushing herbs across her skin. You must run, child. He can't find you. Go to Kimball, get help.

The smell of lavender made Sabrina dizzy.

Jewel dropped a kiss on her forehead. Count to ten, then run for all you're worth. And remember, I love you.

Her mother whirled away, sprinkling dried herbs from both hands in front of the door. She yanked the latch free then rushed into the dark night. Icy wind lashed into the cabin in her wake. The lantern light died.

Sabrina stood in the sudden darkness, fear freezing her feet to the floor. Wind and wolves howled outside. The cabin shook under the onslaught of hundreds of tiny feet. Mice and rabbits swarmed inside, eyes wild.

Sabrina screamed as they clawed up her coat. She bolted into the night, towards the safety of her neighbor's house. His single light glowed like a beacon in the distance. She scrambled through darkness, sliding over tree roots and splashing through the stream. The animals followed. Wind whipped the trees into a frenzy.

She tripped, falling through the bramble of berry bushes. Dead leaves crunched under her hands. Her pants tore as she scraped her knee over a rock. She sobbed, barely noticing the pain in her fear.

Light flashed up the hill, in the meadow where she'd danced, a flickering bluish purple light. Shadows jumped through the light, strange shapes that fit nothing she knew.

She scrambled to her feet, racing along the dirt track to the beckoning haven of the neighbor's porch light. Wind flung handfuls of dead leaves in her face.

She screamed, wordless and primal. Leaves pushed into her mouth. She spat and coughed on the acrid taste.

Remember, her mother's words floated over the storm. Run, child.

Her feet found wings, carried her over the path and into the circle of warm yellow light. The wind retreated. She collapsed against the door of her neighbor's home. Her fist hit the wood.

Help me, please, she sobbed.

The door opened. She fell forward, into the warmth and light, into a hazy world where nothing felt quite real. Voices floated over her.

She's frozen right through. Bring her in, Kimball. Set her on the sofa.

Must be the storm. It's pretty bad up on that hill. I'll get Jed, we'll check on her momma.

There, there, child. You just sleep. We'll take care of everything.

Warm hands tucked her into a blanket, cradled her in softness, stroked away the tears.

What's that she said? Some name, I think. Can't quite make it out.

Just go, Kimball, before it gets any worse out there.

Sabrina drifted into darkness, haunted by the howling wind.

* * *

Sabrina? This is your aunt.

Sabrina stayed where she was, staring at the floor, swinging one sneaker-clad foot back and forth.

She hasn't said much since the accident, the social worker said. Poor girl is traumatized.

Wouldn't you be if you lost your mother and everything you knew in a flash flood? Strange that it happened in the dead of winter.

Happens sometimes. The weather is unpredictable in these hills. I'll leave you two alone for a minute.

The door closed. Sabrina swished her foot, watching its shadow swing across the tiled floor.

Sabrina? I'm your Aunt Dianna.

Silence. The shadow slid across the green tile to the white one. Back and forth.

You've grown. I haven't seen you since you were a baby.

White, green, white, green.

I'm sorry about your mother. I really didn't know her at all. After my brother dumped her, she packed you up and disappeared. I should have looked harder, but I had my own family to care for.

Sabrina's foot stopped. You knew my father?

The woman, Dianna, tried to smile. She looked nice enough, polished and groomed and dressed in a spotless pantsuit with expensive jewelry around her neck. Your father, my brother, was a worthless drug addict. The only good thing he ever brought home was your mother. And he was too stupid to know what a treasure he had. I'm sorry. She crouched down, peering at Sabrina's eyes. You look like her.

Sabrina searched the older woman's face. She found nothing but kindness and concern. The woman gathered her into her arms.

You're coming home with me, Sabrina.

Sobs racked Sabrina's young frame. She cried on the expensive pantsuit. Dianna didn't seem to mind. She rocked her niece, murmuring soothing words. Forget, sweet Sabrina. Forget.

Chapter 3

Come on, Katie, slow poke. Sabrina raced ahead, hands and feet moving surely over the rough rocks.

You're half spider, Katie answered. Nobody can keep up with you. She picked her way up the rock wall on an easier path.

Sabrina lounged at the top, blue eyes laughing down at her cousin. But you're better at music. I've got no sense of rhythm.

Katie pulled herself over the top, rolling onto her back and breathing hard. You've got rhythm, just not the same as anyone else.

What are we going to do this summer? Sabrina nibbled on a handful of trail mix. I don't want to spend my summer watching your brothers play video games again. Think Dianna will let us take a road trip, just the two of us?

Katie sipped from her water bottle. She can't say anything. We're both adults, remember? We've even got a year of college behind us.

But it's her car.

Katie grinned. If we combine our savings, we've got enough to buy our own car. What do you think? We could go to Florida, spend a month lounging on the beach.

And living out of our car. We spend all our money on wheels and we've got nothing left to travel on. Sabrina nudged a pebble over the edge