Chapter 9 #2
“Is it though?” Laura asked.
“Significantly,” Godrik said.
“Humans have engineered the river systems in the Brightlands,” Lachlan said. “A creature from the Shadowlands would likely be very lost.”
“Lost, confused and—in the end—innocent,” Carys said. “It’s not Sam’s fault that he took a wrong turn and got caught up in the Morrígan’s plans.”
“True, but it is still a sea monster,” Godrik said. “Not a bear cub or a hound. Chances are high that in order to stop it, you will have to kill it.”
Carys hated that idea.
They were driving up a combination of highways and surface streets, following the river, but their view was blocked by tall hedgerows that bordered the fields and farmland of Yorkshire.
Frida’s pickup truck finally turned left near an RV park, and Duncan followed, navigating the narrow green-bordered road that led away from the agricultural land and toward the river.
Boats large and small were dry-docked in a marina by the RV park, and Carys saw everything from tiny sailboats to massive powerboats sharing the yard.
The sign by the gate said York Marina. Frida pulled in, waved to a man in a guard station, and pulled her pickup truck into a parking spot.
Carys let out a slow breath. “Okay, I’ve had an hour, and I am no closer to figuring out a plan.”
Duncan parked the van, then Cadell hopped out and opened her door.
“What did I teach you about going into a battle?” The dragon’s eyes bored into hers.
Carys took a deep breath and tried to think. “Uh… the most important aspect is terrain. Getting an understanding of where the fighting will happen so you can understand your plan of attack.”
“Correct. You have not been able to see the terrain where this battle will take place,” Cadell helped her out of the van. “Therefore, it is understandable and wise that you do not have a plan.”
Carys nodded. “Okay, that makes me feel better.”
Duncan came to stand beside her. “What can we do to help?”
“Right now I just need to get to the river and…” She glanced at Cadell, who nodded. “I need to see what I’m working with, and I need to see how big this thing actually is.”
“I wish I could shift to my true form,” Cadell said. “But I tried when I exited the van, and I am not able to change.”
Frida and Wade were leaning against their truck, staring at the river like two old fishermen chatting about the weather.
Laura marched over to them and pointed at Wade. “Hey, you.”
Wade lifted one eyebrow.
“We need a boat,” Laura said. “Can you do that?”
Wade shrugged. “I suppose.”
“Okay, let’s go.” She tugged his arm and started walking toward what looked like an office.
Carys asked Frida, “How far away is this thing?”
“It was in Goole this morning.”
“Goole was where we just were?”
“Yes.”
“So it’s probably here or almost here.” Godrik looked over his shoulder at Naida. “Fae, can you sense the creature?”
Naida shook her head. “If it was on land, probably, but not in the water.” She cocked her head.
“However, when we were in London, there were water fae who had crossed the gates and traveled along the Thames. It’s possible the same thing happened here.
” She nodded. “I’ll go to the water and look.
If any nymphs or sprites are around, I imagine they will talk to me. ”
“Good,” Godrik said. “Do that.”
Lachlan stood in front of Carys as if reporting for duty. “What can I do?”
What was Lachlan good at?
Hunting.
“When Wade gets us a boat,” Carys said, “I need you on it. If we need to kill that thing, you’re the only one with a sword.”
“True.” Lachlan put a hand on the short bronze sword he’d brought from the Shadowlands. “But I should stay near you in case all this is a ruse by the Morrígan to attack you.”
Well, shit. She hadn’t even considered that this was all a distraction to make her vulnerable. Unfortunately, it was as likely as any other explanation.
“You go on the boat,” Duncan said. “I’ll stay near Carys and keep her safe.”
“With what?” Lachlan lifted his chin. “In case you’ve forgotten, you don’t have a blade.”
“With me, you mean?” Duncan crossed his massive arms over his chest. “That may be, brother, but I guarantee I can find something around this boatyard I’ll be able to swing far better than you can. I’ve a mind to see what an anchor would do to your thick skull at the moment.”
“Both of you need to stop.” Carys started walking toward the river, following Naida. “Lachlan, I know open water isn’t your favorite, but you have good eyes. You’re the best I know at spotting animals that are trying to hide.”
“Carys—”
“You asked me what you could do to help, and I’m telling you.”
He gritted his teeth but muttered, “Fine.”
Even when they were hiking in the forests back in Baywood, Lachlan always seemed to have a preternatural sense of where animals were. He could avoid a bear and sneak up on a buck. He didn’t hunt in the Brightlands, but he was a hell of a spotter.
“Does anyone know how to pilot a boat?” Carys looked at Godrik and Duncan. “Either of you guys?”
Godrik shook his head.
Duncan looked stormy, and Carys knew she had her answer.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t have boating lessons at that fancy boarding school.” Carys stepped toward him and smiled. “Duncan?”
“I don’t want to leave you to fight that thing alone,” he said. “Right now all you have—”
“I’m going on the boat with you,” she said.
Duncan curled his lip, but Lachlan brightened.
“Like Cadell said, I need to know what the territory is.” Carys looked at the square building where Laura had disappeared. “Cadell can’t fly me over the river, and I can’t see the territory if I’m on shore.”
“Fine then.” Duncan nodded. “I don’t know what boat the old man is going to procure, but I can probably figure it out.”
“Good.” She turned to Godrik. “You, Cadell, and Laura stay on shore.” She walked to the edge of the embankment and looked at the slowly moving water as it flowed toward the twin channels of the locks. “I may have an idea.”