“They were, and she’ll pay a terrible price for them. For now, we deal with what we can. I’ll send a falcon asking our mother to come on dragon-back to help make the shields.”
“I’ll do that. Amish is close. Morena’s still sleeping, but he’ll come to me and carry the message.”
“Good. I’ll go speak with Marg. I’ll come back when I can.”
When Keegan went out, Harken sat to write the message. Then he picked up his cooling tea to call the hawk before he got to the morning milking.
Keegan spent an hour huddled with Marg, then called Cróga and flew off to barter with the Trolls for specifics Marg wanted for the immunity.
When he got back, he found his mother sitting at Marg’s kitchen table as the two of them discussed details.
“You made quick time.”
“I did.” Tarryn lifted her face for his greeting kiss. “And confess I’d nearly forgotten the thrill of a dragon flight. Did you get what Marg asked for?”
“I did, and they’d take nothing in trade.”
With a surprised laugh, Tarryn sat back. “The Trolls refused a trade?”
“They did. Sul wouldn’t have it. Nothing in trade for anything needed to keep the Daughter of the Fey safe.”
“Breen made an impression.” Marg smiled. “And how does Sul fare?”
“Very well, she says, and looks it. She already…” He held his hands in front of his stomach. “She asked when Breen has time if she’d visit her.”
“So she will,” Marg said. “And we’ll want her for this.”
“To help what’s for her?”
“More power,” Tarryn confirmed. “More light. Harken as well, and you. Two more of your choosing. Not Aisling.”
“Not Aisling, no. And when this is done, the seven will go to the ruins where the spirits walk, trapped. It’s time we released them, send them to the light or to the dark.”
“Not the homecoming I’d have wished for you.”
“But I’m home.” She reached up to take his hand. “And with this done, we’ll take all the joy.”
“What time do you want the coven, and where?”
“We want this first done in the light, so an hour before sunset.” Marg looked at Tarryn, got a nod. “And I know that’s your training time with her, but it’s the right time.”
“She’ll make it up.”
“Sure and you’ll see to that. Do you think by the bay, Tarryn, full open?”
“I do, aye, in the open, with the water element, the light, the earth beneath, the air around, and the fire we make. I’ll go to Aisling now, see the children.” After patting a hand on Marg’s, Tarryn rose. “I’ll be back to help you prepare. And don’t worry, we’ll see your girl safe.”
“I know it, as I know you.”
“Walk with me, Keegan, before you’re off on all your duties.”
He helped her on with her cloak, and since they were there, snagged a biscuit from the plate.
“A bright day,” Tarryn said as they walked outside. “Cold and brisk and bright, just as it should be. I won’t ask you how plans for the wedding go, as you’ll know nothing of it.”
“I know some things.”
She hooked an arm through his. “Tell your ma.”