“He’s with Grimnaugh? Where? I must see him. Is he…is he safe?”
Adhna put his hands up. “He’s not with Grimnaugh. He’s with Bodach. However, Grimnaugh promised me, a solemn vow, mind you, that he’d check on the hound daily. The Queen has commanded you’re not to see him yet.”
“Permitted? Permitted?” His voice pitched higher with each word, touched with an edge of hysteria and a good dose of anger. “Who is permitting this? Who allowed Bodach to steal away my friend, my companion? This is not right! I made the vow already. That vow should be enough to keep me here until my contract is complete.”
Adhna’s eyes had turned sad, but he didn’t relent. “Bodach insisted. Since you are a human unknown to us, he wanted surety of your obedience. This isn’t an unusual demand. He wouldn’t dare hurt Bran.”
Fingin took a deep breath and tried to calm his heart. If he hadn’t brought Bran to this place, he’d be free and happy in the mortal world, rather than a hostage to a cruel Fae lord. Why did he have to destroy everything he loved with his horrible decisions? Why did he act so selfishly?
His hands curled into tight fists as he said, in a tight voice, “Adhna, I like and respect you, but let me tell you now. If Bodach, for whatever reason, harms Bran, I will do my best to make him pay for that hurt.”
Adhna gave him a stern smile and clapped him on the shoulder. “Young man, if it comes to that eventuality, I vow you shall have my enthusiastic and wholehearted support.”
* * *
From thence became an odd mixture of domestic normality at Adhna’s roundhouse, and expectant anticipation for Tomnat’s conception. Fingin helped Adhna around his small home, learned more dances, and listened to stories about the Fae court. He missed Bran sorely, but Grimnaugh visited every day with news of his hound’s health and a few pithy comments about how the dog did his best to make his host’s life less convenient.
Other Fae came by for a visit, including Airiu. Fingin suspected she only came with other Fae to avoid any hint he might violate his contract with Tomnat, but he didn’t care. The time he spent with her became the highlight of his life. They did nothing untoward, but still had time to chat about their lives and the things they loved. She taught him songs of the Fae, and he taught her stories from his own world.
Airiu also taught him how to weave. Certainly, he’d woven and plaited things all his life. But Airiu had the ability to create lovely, lacy patterned mats and baskets from a variety of unusual materials. With patient hands, she showed him how to create such beauty for himself. He’d never have her level of talent, but she imparted to him some of the basic patterns and techniques.
Each day, Bodach also visited. Sometimes, if he saw Fingin sitting with Airiu, he strode up with a deriding smirk and rude comments. “One Fae woman isn’t enough for you, human boy? You must come and steal all our women?”
Fingin tried not to rise to the Fae lord’s bait. He’d bite his tongue and clench his jaw. However, when he switched his attack to Airiu, all restraint flew out the door.
Bodach deepened his smile and traced his finger along Airiu’s jaw. “Such a lovely young thing. I’d like to bed you myself. I wonder what sort of noises you would make with a real lover?”
“Leave her alone!”
“Oh, so the young pup has some baby teeth! Be cautious, youngling. Your hound is still in my care, did you forget? You must behave yourself, or the hound might suffer. I still find it odd the Queen let you go with such a light contract. Do you have influence over her? Share your secrets, young human.”
Airiu put a gentle hand on his upper arm. “Be still, Fingin. He only does this to rouse you, can’t you see? He cannot harm Bran unless you give him a reason to. And teasing me is nothing. You forget I’m three times your mortal age. This is not the first time I’ve dealt with an unpleasant suitor.”
Bodach placed his hands upon Airiu’s cheek, leering with a wicked smile.
She hissed, her teeth now pointed with wicked sharpness. Her eyes had turned to cat-slits, and her nails grew like talons. She raked said nails across Bodach’s hand where it still touched her cheek. “Begone, foul creature. I do not want your touch, nor will I tolerate your taunts. Go crawl back to your Queen, and pray she defends you from the consequences of your own actions.”
Bodach’s skin turned a paler brown, and his eyes grew wide. He took a few fearful steps backward, but Airiu’s teeth, eyes, and nails had already reverted to their lovely form as if nothing had happened. Fingin glanced between the two Fae, thoroughly aware he remained a stranger in this land, a mere human amongst magical Fae, with no way to protect himself should any of them turn against him.
The bully had left, but Fingin no longer had a taste for company. He retreated to the roundhouse and curled up in his bed, unable to face anyone yet.
Fingin didn’t have days and nights to regulate his sleep, so he took to his rest whenever he grew tired, overwhelmed, or bored. This seemed to be more and more often as time marched on. He didn’t need to work to feed himself, as Adhna provided plenty of food. While he enjoyed learning the songs and dances from the Fae, the pursuit of knowledge had never been a particular joy for him, so it didn’t drive him like it might a Bard or Druid.
He just needed to complete his contracted vows with Tomnat and
