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 “I can use these trails of light to find a way out of here,” she said with excitement. The candlestick was still pulling in the light from her wings, but it was also pulling in light from other places, offering the princess a few different light paths to choose from.

One trail went straight up. Princess Esperanza followed it to a high window that overlooked the forest. “Home!” she exclaimed. “I found a way out!” she called down to the deep voice.

“Go then! Save yourself but remember those of us who are still trapped in this pit!” the voice replied.

Essie used her ring to cut another circle in the window pane and flew out calling, “I'll be back, I promise you!”

She flew straight for her home, the great Fairy Castle of Riverwood. There she told her father, the king, all about her abduction, imprisonment and escape. King Elric summoned all his soldiers and allies to right this wrong. Essie herself led the army of fairies, birds and woodland creatures to the tower window where she had escaped. Inside the tower they found dozens of mystical creatures imprisoned. Elves and fairies and dryads and griffons and gnomes, all in cages in the darkness. The captives were freed and led out of the dark. There were three other towers in this castle that were also holding magical prisoners, including one baby dragon. The castle was cleared and then burned to the ground, courtesy of the baby dragon of course.

The captives all shared stories about how they came to be in that castle and one consistent story appeared. A wizard had been travelling through their lands with a caravan, The Magnificant Mularky. He had then either given them a sleeping potion or used a spell upon them and loaded each prisoner into his wagons without anyone noticing. No one knew what his plans were, but they all knew they were glad to be free of them.

King Elric sent messengers out to each of the prisoners' familys and invited everyone to stay in his kingdom for as long as they liked until their escorts arrived. That night he began a celebration unlike anything that had ever been seen before. Mystical creatures from all over the world ate, drank, sang and danced together, forgetting old rivalries and grievances.

Essie stood outside one of the dancing circles, taking it all in.

“I wanted to thank you,” She recognized the deep voice from the tower.

She turned around and froze. The dark-haired fairy was instantly recognizable, “Prince Gerard! Everyone thought you were out exploring for the past two years.”

“One and a half years of exploring, six months of capture. And I have you to thank for my release.” A warm, deep smile spread across his face. “Would you join me in this dance?”

The Prince barely had time to set down his drink before Essie pulled him into the circle.

And for all I know they may be dancing still.