Once upon a time, there was a Seer who did not fully understand their gift. The world was young, and magic was beginning to take its place. There was still much the people did not understand. This was especially true for those gifted with foresight. Most only received glimpses and impressions, yet one had a powerful gift.

  Every night he dreamed of a new life and in the morning, he would record the tale in his book. A book that came from another realm. At first, he believed these to be naught but dreams, but as his powers grew, he realized the truth. These so-called dreams of his were visions of lives that did not yet live. Once he realized this, he began recording the stories in more detail, binding the tales in a special book that never left his side.

  Over time, the people began to better understand magic, and the Seer discovered the truth of his visions. He was seeing nothing but possibilities. So he put away his book and set to learning more of the world. He told the people the truth, but a few did not believe him. They believed the book held truth, and in that truth, power.

  One day, a believer stole the book from its hiding place. The Seer did not discover its absence until it was too late.

  The thief knew magic and enchantment and through that, he found a way to use the book. For the book had been specially enchanted and, coupled with the belief in the prophecies, it had become a powerful item. The man used the book to claim a kingdom and subjugate the people. His rule was absolute until he made the mistake of marrying a powerful Seeress.

  She knew the truth of his power and his book. Through clever use of her gift and careful interactions with members of the rebellion, she orchestrated his downfall. Before the rebels made their move, she stole his book and disappeared.

  With his dying breath on the day of his execution, he uttered a curse that someone would follow in his footsteps. His gift would not die with him.

  No one knew for sure what he meant but those who heard would never stop looking for signs his words were coming true.

  Reality took its time coming back into focus after Tinkerbelle finished her story. Such was the innate power of the Fae. Whenever they spoke a spell was woven over all who listened. Rapunzel and I had experienced something similar from sprites and malignant pixies, but that did not compare to the effect of Tinkerbelle’s words.

  I came out as if from a deep sleep, yet I had been fully aware the entire time. Beside me, Morpheus surged awake almost as if in a panic. I reached out and placed my hand on his instinctively, attempting to help ground him. He flinched at first but relaxed when he saw whose hand it was.

  There was something in the way he looked at me that I had not seen in some time. Part of me did not want to pull my hand away, but this was hardly the time or place. We had more urgent matters to attend to and, honestly, I was still unsure of where Morpheus and I stood.

  “How have we never heard that story?” Rapunzel asked, breaking the silence. All eyes were on Tinkerbelle as we waited for an explanation.

  “Only a select few know of the storybook. At first, it was because only so many could know of it without the king discovering his wife’s treachery. After that, knowledge of it remained limited to prevent anyone from trying to find the book." She paused. " Or worse, recreate it.”

  “Where is it?” Morpheus asked. Belle turned her gaze towards him, and he shrunk back in his chair. His pupils dilated and his breathing stilled and for a few seconds, it was as if they were both frozen in time. All the while, her face remained impassive while her eyes took on an indescribable appearance.

  I could not look directly at her. No one could, while she was reading someone, save the person she was reading. It was a disconcerting experience, especially the first time it happened. I am not sure what she was looking for or how far she was searching, but whatever she found pleased her. She broke eye contact, and he relaxed, loosening his grip on the chair. All in all, he handled the experience well.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “No one knows. It disappeared with the Queen. The founders of the Table decided it was better to leave the question of its location unanswered,” she replied, finally.

  “I appreciate the clarification. It does not help with my discomfort, though,” Morpheus replied. “Something is going on here, something big, and I don’t like that we have so many missing pieces." He looked pointedly between Peter and Tinkerbelle. " I know there are many things you cannot say, but can you give us a starting point.” Once again, the room held its breath as we waited to see what Tinkerbelle would say.

  “Sometimes, to know how a thing will end you need to understand how it all began. Think of the story I told you. Relay it to Dina. She will be able to tell you more.”

  “Dina?” Morpheus asked incredulously.

  “I’ll explain later,” I assured. “We need to check in with her anyway. She has a broad information network, and we could use her advice. The bigger picture we have, the better.”

  “We don’t have any records on that period, but I can assign some of the Lost Boys to see if they can find anything helpful. I already have the shadows bringing me regular reports. If I learn anything, I will let you know,” Peter said.

  “I appreciate that,” I said. " Rapunzel and I can tap our networks as well. We will find something.”

  Rapunzel shifted uncomfortably but did not protest. I knew there was part of her ‘network’ she would rather not make contact with. And I hoped she would not have to.

  A silence fell over us as we all thought of what we would need to do in the following days. It was daunting for sure.

  “I would love to speak more, but I’m afraid we have some meetings to attend,” Tinkerbelle said.

  Peter groaned, head lolling back in exaggerated exasperation. No matter how long he ruled Neverland, he was still a child at heart.

  “We will take our leave, then. Thank you for your time and the advice,” I said, standing up and straightening my cloak. Rapunzel and Morpheus followed suit.

  “Any time, Snow.” Peter stepped forward to hug me. “You know you always have a place in Neverland.”

  Morpheus gasped, and I pulled back to see the teacups being spirited away by slithering shadows. An unsettling sight to some. He heard my chuckle and looked at me, some of his unease melted away, making my smile widen.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Pan,” Rapunzel offered her hand.

  “Please, call me Peter,” he corrected, pulling her in for a hug. “I do loathe unnecessary formality. Any friend of Snow’s is a friend of mine." He patted her back. " Keep her out of trouble, will you?”

  She made a small noise of surprise but went with it. I knew from experience Peter gave wonderful hugs. It was like hugging my favorite brother, if I had a brother.

  “No promises.”

  Tinkerbelle took a step towards me, and I gladly accepted her hug. She did not hug many, but she always hugged me. Her magic curled around me, lightening my very being. I often wondered if she could give people the ability to fly, but I never asked. That felt like something she would not be able to answer.

  “The road ahead of you is not an easy one, but know you do not travel alone,” she whispered. “You are the only one who can see it done, though. You are the only one who can save him.”

  “I know. Your guidance is greatly appreciated, as is your friendship.”

  “Any time, dear.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Peter stepping forward to offer Morpheus a handshake, which was readily accepted. They exchanged words briefly before Peter had us escorted out into the camp. Rapunzel and I needed to speak with Dina, and I wanted Morpheus to be with us. We could not leave his men here, though. So, I asked the Lost Boy guide to direct us to where the men were to be put up for the night. We could make arrangements from there.

  On the walk over, it was decided that after explaining to the men, we would leave Neverland. It would not be hard to arrange a guide to whatever portal they needed to cross through. Morpheus insisted that once he explained, they would agree to the plan. They were good men, and they would listen to him.

  As I thought of how much I looked forward to speaking with Dina, it crossed my mind how difficult it would be to lose my mentor. But I shook the thought from my head before it could take root.

  Then my focus shifted back to Tinkerbell's words. You can save him. I had not thought to ask if she knew who he was, but then I realized it's because I already knew. I just could not remember.

  Yet.