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‘It’s going to be grand,’ he said. ‘It will take place at twilight. A candlelit ceremony officiated by the leader of the High Council of Witches and by my mother. Well,’ he said frowning, ‘that’s if the Guardians get their act together and choose a new leader of the High Council. You know, they’re certainly taking their time, don’t you think? Has Hector any news on that? Because we’ve heard nothing.’
‘Nothing so far,’ Sirius said. ‘And the High Council seems to be in a bit of a mess. Let’s be honest, everything’s a mess right now.’
‘Which is why we must focus on the good things,’ Emrick said. ‘Like family, and Christmas.’
‘How’s Aidan feeling, now that his wedding day is so close?’ I asked.
Killian sighed, ‘He’s being very stoic. You know Aidan. He knows it’s his duty and he’s determined to do what they ask of him. But it’s going to be weird for him. He’s used to living a pretty normal life, you know. He loved working in The Green Man pub. I know that sounds strange, but he loved mixing with ordinary folk, chatting about everyday things. He’s not one for grandiosity or pomp and ceremony. Being married to one of the Nine Sisters… To be honest, I don’t know what he’s going to do with himself. I don’t know what either of them are going to do with themselves. He can’t live in Avalon. It’s so female-centred, there’s no place for him. And is Derwa going to be happy in Ballydraiocht? Really? Our ways will seem so strange to her.’
‘Why can’t they find their own way, like we have?’ Harley asked.
He gave her a troubled look. ‘Is that we’ve done, mo ghrá? Really?’
‘Don’t you think so?’ she asked, sounding hurt.
‘I know you’ve struggled,’ he admitted quietly, staring down at the floor. ‘To be honest with you, darlin’, I thought maybe you’d decided you’d made a big mistake marrying me. I wouldn’t blame you. I’m an eejit most of the time and I know it. I haven’t been very understanding of how much this life has affected you. Being with me, it can’t be easy. I’m sorry.’
Harley lifted his chin and turned his face to hers. ‘I’ve never regretted marrying you,’ she told him. ‘It’s just been a big adjustment, and it worries me, thinking of us drifting along for the rest of my life with no purpose. But that’s something I’m going to have to get used to. It’s the way it is, and if that’s the price I pay for having you in my life then I’ll happily pay it. I suppose I miss my job more than I realised I would. If I’ve taken that out on you, I’m sorry. But you do know I love you, don’t you?’
‘And I love you,’ Killian said. ‘And as long as we still have that—’
He broke off and turned to us, alarm in his expression. ‘You hear that?’
‘Hear what?’ Sirius said with amusement. ‘Yours and Harley’s sickening declarations of love? All too clearly, I’m afraid.’
‘What is it, Killian?’ Emrick asked, his face grave.
‘The tracker,’ Killian said, leaping to his feet. ‘Havok Pendragon is somewhere close by. What in the name of the goddess is he up to now?’
Chapter 45
Wulfram
I staggered back and leaned against a tree, wondering where on earth I was. Wonderingwhenon earth I was. Something had clearly gone wrong. I was supposed to be back in my own time on Peloryon Island, but looking around me it was obvious this wasn’t the island. I was on the edge of some woods, and they weren’t Peloryon Woods. I was very familiar with those.
I took a deep breath, trying to get my bearings. I was so tired. I just wanted to sleep but there was no chance of that until I got home. I glanced down, relieved to see I was wearing contemporary clothing again, and a quick pat of my head told me my hair was back to normal. No more long curls!
But was I in the right time? I tried to clear my thoughts and be logical, but everything I’d seen and done over the last week or so was rushing through my brain like I was in a cinema, watching some improbable fantasy film.
I sank onto the ground, my back against the tree, exhaustion overwhelming me. This was one side effect of time travel I really didn’t like. At least Hector had said it would only affect me like this the first few times. I closed my eyes. I’d worry about where I was in a minute.
I felt a pang of grief and loss, knowing I’d left behind my sister and would never see her again. I thought of all the things I had to tell the people back home and wondered how they’d react. I tried to picture Keely’s face. I’d missed her so much. Had she missed me?
I need to sleep.
Not now! You need to go home.
But it was no good. I couldn’t make myself get up.
Just five minutes.
I’m not sure how long I was asleep but when I woke up I felt a little better. I got to my feet and took a few deep breaths then looked around me, noticing that just past the trees the view opened up, and I could see the sea. These woods were on a cliff top then. I turned my head slightly and frowned. A church steeple, reaching up into the wintry sky from among a cluster of rooftops. It looked familiar yet different.
Take away those rooftops and see it standing in open countryside.
I nodded to myself. I was in Polkayne. This was the church where…
What was I doing here, though? I’d been trying to get back to the island. Although, I vaguely recalled, as I’d focused on the date I was heading for, that wistful memory of the moment by Catherine St Clair’s grave had popped into my mind. I suppose that had thrown me off course.
