Faery Raed

A blood red moon, partially obscured by passing clouds, cast an eerie orange glow over my house. The forest, strangely still, seemed more mystical than suburban woods should be. A soft, gentle wind nipped my skin just enough to elicit a few chill bumps despite the warm, Florida evening.

I stopped to wonder.

Were faeries afoot? Was tonight the night to behold a Faery Raed, a Wild Hunt? Would the sounds of galloping horses and barking hounds reach my piqued and straining ears?

With baited breath I stood, watching, waiting for a sign of things to come. Yet, as the clouds passed over and beyond the wide-eyed moon, all was quiet and serene. No portent of calamity, no foreshadow of doom. I heaved a sigh of relief. And yet, a twinge of disappointment lingered.

Just once, I’d like to glimpse the Great Faery Host thundering through the black velvet sky. Fierce and glorious in pursuit of their prey. But, I wouldn’t want to get in their way. They have a fondness for whisking humans away.

~Kristal Lee