The flight the following morning passed without incident, much to the team’s relief. Upon landing they were met by a tall african american man named Mickey who introduced himself as an assistant landscaper for Brooke’s property.

“Thank you for coming out here to get us” Josh said, shaking the man’s hand

“No problem at all” Mickey said through a new york accent “Glad to get a chance to get off the property. We’ve been busy these last few months, barely get out every other week”

Mickey led the group out of the airport and to a large green station wagon. Mickey and Josh loaded the bags into the trunk while the others chose their seats. Skye grabbed Louie and Crystal, pulling them into the third row to talk. Eve and Elijah chose to each sit at the window seat in the middle row, leaving Josh to sit in the passenger seat besides Mickey.

Mickey quickly proved to be capable of holding a conversation entirely by himself. The hour long drive was filled with stories of Mickey’s experiences on the property. As they passed through miles of forested back roads Mickey gave an endless tirad of complaints and anecdotes of misfortune on the site. Josh and those in the back seat listened quietly to the man’s stories, Skye could be heard on occasion speaking animatedly to Crystal or Louie. An hour into the drive Josh felt Elijah connect to his mind.

I’m noticing an area to our left that’s affecting my Psyche Scan Elijah said.

Is it blocking your view? Josh questioned

It seems to be redirecting my gaze Elijah said confused Every time I try to look further in that direction I find I’ve circled back to other areas.

Are we moving closer to this area? Josh asked

Not directly Elijah answered

Keep track of this area Josh ordered If it isn’t where we’re heading now we’ll come back to it. There might be a bonus mission there.

Whatever Elijah said, expressing his confirmation through the connection. Anything is better than hearing this guy blabber on.

Josh stared out the window towards the east, watching for anything out of the ordinary. After another half hour of driving through back roads Mickey announced they were approaching the property and turned down a hard to see road, hidden between large trees. Signs saying “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” covered either side of the road.

“We don’t like unexpected guests” Mickey said with a chuckle “Boss lady likes her privacy.”

Josh fel Elijah connect to him again.

We’re now heading right for the protected area Elijah said quickly

Have you seen anything past it yet? Josh asked, shifting discreetly in his seat. Moving himself closer to the door handle.

Nothing but trees as far as I can see Elijah said I don’t get far pass before I end up back on the other side.

Can you see anything ahead of us? Josh asked

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Elijah paused for a moment before answering This is a really long road. I can see a gate at the very end, right around where the barrier starts. I can’t see past it.

Let Skye and Eve know to be on alert when we approach the van Josh ordered

Elijah disconnected to let the others know. Josh brushed his foot against his backpack. He had brought it up front with him as it held his hammer, Josh wouldn't leave himself unarmed.

Elijah reconnected to Josh

Someone just opened the gate Elijah said suddenly I can see an old man on a four wheeler with a bird big on his shoulder. Maybe some kind of parrot

That’s odd Josh said in confusion

He unlocked the gate and is driving further down the road Elijah continued I’m having trouble seeing past him. I might lose him.

Leave him for now Josh said We’ll look for him when we’re passed the barrier

Mickey continued talking while driving down the dirt road, the road was surprisingly long nearly two miles. Then they reached the gate and drove through without pause. Josh waited patiently for Elijah to reconnect to him. Minutes passed before he felt the connection.

I can see freely now Elijah said We’re approaching a large house surrounded by gardens. There's a few people in the house and two waiting on the porch probably for us. I sweeped the nearby area but didn’t see anything except some woodland animals.

Did you see any weapons on the two waiting for us? Josh asked

The man has a knife on his hip but they don’t have any in hand Elijah reported.

At this point the car pulled past the tree line and was in perfect view of the house.

Josh and the others exited the car, grouping together while looking across the magnificent garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bumble bees roamed the flora and basked in the numerous birdbaths.

“So we are dealing with a fantasy world” Eve said next to Josh. The teen turned quickly to see what the young woman was talking about. She seemed to be staring transfixed at a yellow and red winged butterfly hovering over a flower. Josh stared at the butterfly noticing something was off about the insect. Before his eyes the suddenly blurry form of the butterfly focused. No longer was Josh looking at a butterfly but a beautiful miniature woman floating elegantly on two glowing red and yellow butterfly wings.

“What the hell is that?” Josh said softly, transfixed by the magical creature

“What's wrong with you?” Louie asked “You’ve never seen a butterfly before?”

“That’s not a butterfly,” Josh said, gasping as he surveyed the garden. Everywhere were fairies flying about.

“That’s definitely a butterfly,” Crystal said, looking closely at the yellow and red fairy.

“Didn’t you make sure to drink your milk this morning” Mickey asked with a laugh

“Can you see the fairies?” Eve questioned

“Everyone on the preserve can see them” Mickey said “We eat our cheese every morning”

“Why the hell are you talking about milk and cheese??” Elijah asked angrily

“Milk from a Milch animal” A stern voice began “Is the only way for mortals to see the magical world”

A middle aged woman with long brown hair flowing down her shoulders was approaching. She was dressed for gardening it seems with muddy overalls over her casual clothes.

A elderly man walked behind her, dressed in a collared polo shirt and jeans. A large white bird was seated on his shoulder, staring almost curiously at the group.

“If some of you can see the fairies I would assume you know this already” the woman continued “However your dumbfound expressions tell me otherwise. Who are you people?”

“My name is Josh” Josh pulled his gaze away from the fairy “you spoke with a leader of my team to arrange our stay here”

“I know that!” the woman said angrily “I want to know who you actually are”

“We can discuss that” Josh promised “May I ask who you are?”

“I am Brooke” the woman said proudly “The caretaker of Concealed Roots”

“How come only some of you can see the fairies when none of you know about milch animals?”

“We have some unique circumstances” Josh said with a chuckle “If you give us the chance we will explain everything. Total Honesty”