Journey into the Realm: The Stolen Child (Journey into the Realm Series) Read Free

swallowed dryly. “What kind of restrictions?”
    “The only way you can travel to the Golden Fairy Realm is by traveling through the other four Magical Realms first. That means going to the Mermaid Realm, the Flower Fairy Realm, the Woodland Fairy Realm, and then to the Element Fairy Realm before being able to enter the Golden Fairy Realm.”
    I raised my eyebrows, unconvinced that this was such a complication. “That doesn’t sound too difficult. I’ll simply make a new elf circle each time I cross into a Realm. I won’t even have to move very much.”
    “There’s more, Ramsey,” she said quietly. “Along with the offerings necessary to cross into the Realms, you will need the crown of each Realm’s ruler.”
    “What do you mean, exactly?” I asked.
    “That means, for example, when you travel to the Mermaid Realm, you must persuade King Almog to give you his crown. Then mermaids will need to make a portal with their magic for your transport. You may only use an elf circle to reach the Mermaid Realm. From then on, you must rely on each Realm’s inhabitants. Once they make their own version of the circle, place the crown and the offering inside, then you may leave.”
    I sat back in my seat, dumbfounded. “How could Queen Titania let this happen?” I asked.
    “As you have heard countless times already, Queen Titania chooses not to meddle with the war. She probably doesn’t even know of the spell.”
    “Then how do you suppose she will listen to me if she doesn’t care?” I wondered. “What if going to the Golden Fairy Realm does nothing?”
    Brielle didn’t respond. I shook my head, fists curling in anger. “This is impossible! How am I supposed to get King Vortigern’s crown if he is the one who came up with this idea?” I cried.
    Brielle’s expression brightened. “When you reach the Element Fairy Realm, you must find the rebellion. From this rebel cell you will receive all the help you need.”
    Now I was really confused. “What rebellion?”
    “When I returned home from Aubrey after our ability school closed, I received a letter from an Element fairy named Joseph. He started a rebellion against Vortigern several years ago, and Element fairies disgusted by his reign have gathered to oppose him. I told Joseph about you, and I can assure you that the rebellion can get you to the crown.”
    “How do you know Joseph is trustworthy? What if this is just a trap Vortigern is using to reach me?”
    Brielle scowled, finally looking like her old self again. “I’m not as dimwitted as you think. Of course I was apprehensive at first, but I realized his sincerity rather quickly.”
    “What made you trust him?” I asked, too stubborn to let this go just yet.
    Brielle grinned. “He told me Vortigern has an ulterior motive.”
    I gaped. “Vortigern has an ulterior motive?!”
    She nodded. “I always knew there was more to this war than a stolen fairy child and misplaced pride. Why else would Vortigern let this go on for thirty years?”
    “So what is it?” I asked, eager to know.
    “Well, I don’t exactly know what the motive is,” Brielle admitted. “Neither does Joseph. But he did say that the war with the elves is just a distraction to hide what the King is actually planning.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Way to get my hopes up,” I muttered, crossing my arms against my chest. “I still don’t know if I trust this rebellion guy.”
    Brielle glared at me. “You have no other choice. Joseph and the rebellion are your only hope to steal Vortigern’s crown.”
    I groaned. “Fine, let’s say I trust him. How do I find him once I reach the Element Fairy Realm?”
    “He couldn’t disclose his location in his letters for fear of them getting into the wrong hands, so you should ask for ‘the man in red.’ That’s all the help I can give you,” she admitted.
    “All right, and who am I supposed to ask?” I wondered.
    “You’ll know who to ask when the time comes,” the Queen