Chapter Three #3
“And don’t let Salis fool you. That child has been around longer than the others but never ages beyond what you see. She transcribes the magic within our world. Together, they are a formidable force.”
Connor wanted to ask how formidable they’d been, given the ever-present shadow of the mysterious Council looming over the village, and the other shadows, whoever the fuck they were, but decided it was not appropriate to ask.
Not yet, in front of all the townspeople.
Adrian murmured, “Like I said before, we’re no longer in Kansas, Lone Ranger. It appears we have inherited a rather eclectic collection of magical people and have been inducted into a mysterious secret society.”
Connor blinked. “Lone Ranger? What the fuck are you talking about?”
Adrian shrugged. “Dorothy and her dog Tonto in The Wizard of Oz. Have you never read the book, seen the film?”
Connor shook his head in frustration. “Her dog’s name was Toto.”
“Ahh, I see.” Adrian pursed his lips. “Still, I stand by my comment. This is all rather fascinating, and I look forward to helping you solve the mystery.”
Give me strength.
“And look at us. We’re partners now. Both Valours.” Adrian sounded quite pleased with himself, but Connor saw the trepidation lying beneath. “It looks as if we have our responsibilities marked out.”
Connor was going to get a headache with all the eye-rolling he was doing. “Yes,” he said dryly. “Three people chanted words at us and now we’re what? Fucking superheroes?”
Adrian shook his head sadly. “You have no imagination, mon ami. It is as if the fairies left you under a bush and, with a wave of their magic wand, deleted your sense of humour and inspiration.” He grinned. “No matter. I shall show you how it works.”
Connor could’ve punched him in the face right then and there but decided it wasn’t the right message to send an already traumatised village.
Xiathen chuckled. “Ah. I see where this is going,” he murmured. “The prophecies are true. Interesting times lie ahead for you both. The path of true romance never did run smoothly.”
Connor’s jaw dropped. “Romance?” he spluttered. “With him? Give me a break. He’s a dilettante, a playboy, and I have no interest in him at all.” He narrowed his eyes. “And why would you think either of us is into men, anyway? Is that some kind of magic you possess?”
As he said the words, he thought how snippy they sounded, but he didn’t quite know how to take them back. And what the fuck? Prophecies? What hellhole had suddenly appeared on his land?
Adrian tut-tutted. “You’re getting ahead of yourself, thinking he’s my type. I’m into men who are, shall we say, a little more sophisticated.” He sniffed haughtily.
Xiathen was observing them with amusement. “I am attuned to people’s feelings. It is indeed a skill I possess. But we shall see who turns out to be right in the end.”
A shout drew their attention away. “Right, everyone,” the innkeeper called out.
“It’s time to go home. I don’t know about you, but the food and drink have run out, which is as good a sign as any that this establishment is now closed.
Plus, I’m bone-tired myself, so off you go.
If you all come over to the Pig later this afternoon, I’ll have a warm soup ready for you. ”
There were some grateful murmurs, and then, one by one, the crowd dispersed into the early morning rising sun.
“I guess that’s our cue to get going.” Adrian was already turning around, no doubt searching for his friend.
“I could do with some sleep myself.” He waved Max over.
“We’ll depart and promise to return as agreed as soon as we can.
I’m sure my partner in valour will ensure I’m contacted to join him.
” He ignored Connor’s snort of derision and reached out a hand to Xiathen.
“I’m not sure of your customs, but here we shake hands to welcome people and to take our leave. ”
Xiathen nodded. “We do the same. Our community is not that different. I’m sure we will fit right in here.”
Xiathen bowed to them both. “Thank you, Valours, for your concern and for allowing us to stay. I look forward to seeing you both soon.”
Adrian and Max turned and walked toward the distant gorse land where their car was parked, soon disappearing from sight among the exodus of people.
Fraser joined Connor at his side and nodded. “Time to go then? My eyes feel like a crab kicked sand in them and I’m in dire need of coffee. I’m not a fan of whatever juice was served. You can’t beat coffee.”
They left, and back at the car, Fraser turned to Connor. “What the ever-loving, fucking hell,” he said. “This is something I’ve never prepared for.”
Connor nodded. “Having a village of magical folk appear out of nowhere wasn’t on my wish list either. Or being blessed as some sort of ruddy champion.” He scoffed. “Especially when it seems there’s some villain in the works nobody wants to talk about.” He stretched wearily. “But here we are.”
He climbed into the truck and started the engine as Fraser slipped into the seat beside him. “Let’s keep this to ourselves for now and let everyone know the situation later today. I’m still processing this all myself.”