The pale Fae smiled as Fingin accepted his gift, turning it around in his hand before unwrapping the broadleaf cover. Inside, a sparkling dewdrop shining in the light. Almost afraid to touch it, Fingin glanced up before doing so.
Némán nodded. “I found it on the pond near the Queen’s palace.”
“Thank you. I shall treasure it.” He carefully re-wrapped the drop, having no idea what else he should do with it.
With a bow, Némán backed up, making way for Grimnaugh and his offering. With a grin, Fingin opened his friend’s gift. When he unwrapped the gossamer wrapping, he furrowed his brow, puzzled. “A leaf?”
“It floated on the wind near me when I thought of what I should get you. So I decided it must want to be yours.”
Fingin kept his grin strong. While the Fae wasn’t to know what proper gifts should be, he would never let them know they hadn’t gotten it quite right. They’d tried, and that was the most important part.
One by one, the Fae gave their gifts. Some, like Uasal, simply gave a tasty fruit or mug of drink. Others gave an odd bug, a twig, or a strange stone. However, when Airiu appeared before him, empty-handed, he waited.
“My gift to you is my voice, Fingin. My song, something to hold in your heart when we aren’t together.”
Fingin’s throat closed, not trusting himself to speak. When she opened her mouth, the sweetest sound came forth, caressing him with power and love. He wanted to close his eyes to experience the song, but he also wanted to keep the memory of Airiu strong in his sight.
When she finished, he felt lighter, younger, and more vibrant than ever before. She squeezed his hand and said, “I wish you a delightful birth celebration.”
“You’ve made it more delightful than I could ever imagine.”
Chapter Fourteen
Fingin wished night existed in Faerie. It would make the entire escape easier, under cover of darkness. However, with Adhna’s help, he gathered a pack of food, supplies, and clothing. Tomnat arrived with a grim smile on her face. He tried to speak to her, but she stopped him. “I don’t wish to leave to your world, but circumstances have forced my decision. Don’t make it pitiful with your groveling apologies.”
He ached to say goodbye to Airiu, but his grandmother had forbidden it. “Adhna can pass on any message you like, but Bodach is watching her. He’s convinced she knows something he can use, even though she only suspects. She will act as a decoy to your escape.”
He hated the thought of putting Airiu in danger for his benefit, but then he remembered her razor-sharp teeth and nails. She’d be able to protect herself much better than he would ever be able to.
Fingin berated himself for forgetting to ask his grandmother for the brooch when they spoke the day before. Now, just before they left, he reminded himself to do so.
His pack on his shoulder, he thanked Adhna for his hospitality. The Fae glanced over at the Queen, arguing with Tomnat. “Think nothing of it, young man. I have obligations to your family for times past, and I’m certain we’ll meet again. Perhaps even soon.” A pensive expression passed over his face before he smiled. “Take care of Tomnat. She may seem prickly, but she is, at heart, a kind creature.”
Fingin doubted this, but wouldn’t argue with a man in his own home. “Come, Bran. Time to say farewell to my grandmother.”
Tomnat looked as if someone had just stolen her puppy. She glared at him as he approached, but Queen Cliodhna waved her away. “You have your mission, Tomnat. Don’t let me down.”
With another scowl, she stalked off to stand at the path, waiting for Fingin with transparent impatience.
“Fingin, you must do me proud. You are my last hope for the family, you know.”
“What? I don’t understand.”
“Did you not know? Your brothers have all passed away. You’re the only one left.”
Fingin gasped and shook his head to clear the shock. “All of them? All four? What happened?”
She frowned, the action forming lines around her mouth. “I suspect Bodach, as two of them went mad before they killed themselves. The others died alone by strange mischance. I cannot prove anything, but I have my suspicions.”
“Killed themselves?”
“One jumped from a cliff onto the rocks. Another ate poisoned mushrooms, apparently on purpose. Cattle trampled the other two.”
Fingin gritted his teeth. This Bodach had a lot to answer for. He would have to make him pay some day.
“You will not be the one to exact this revenge, grandson. Do you understand?”
Had she heard his thoughts? “What?”
“Yes, your thoughts screamed so loud I’m surprised they can’t hear it in the palace. I said it is not your mission to bring revenge upon Bodach. He is much too powerful an adversary for you. I’ve tried in the past, and even my power isn’t up to the task. You’d die if you tried. Just like your brothers.”
His blood still boiled with rage. He’d never liked his brothers. In fact, they’d been the main reason he’d left home so young, to avoid their bullying, and his father’s. However, they remained kin. Gaelic tradition demanded he seek revenge for their murder.
“Do not disobey me in this, Fingin. I need your vow.”
He clenched his fists, unable to make such a vow, and yet unable to deny his grandmother. The conflict made his head ache, and he took several deep breaths, trying to work out what he needed to do.
“I will take care of the matter when I can, Fingin. This is not your retribution to visit. They were my grandsons, remember.”
Fingin let out a sigh. She had made an
