Chapter 250: Volunteer
I spun on Thalion, a horrible understanding growing inside me. "I don't have to go with you, do I?"
He met my eyes, his own anger apparent, though he managed a smile. "The Gatekeeper is correct. I haven't told you the full rule." He sighed then, shoulders falling a little. I almost felt sorry for him until Shaylee's mind slapped mine. More Sidhe tricks. "Someone must cross over it is true," Thalion said. "But it need not be you."
Of all the lying, manipulative, arrogant... my brain sputtered in fury. "How dare you?"
Thalion's gaze met mine again, emerald eyes full of tears. "To bring you home," he said. "But yes, though one does need to cross, it simply must be one who chooses to come to the Sidhe realm, in possession of Sidhe magic. Their mortal spirit combined with the very power attempting to enter your world will reseal the Gate."
"And you have a volunteer," Fergus said, the surge of strength from Thalion's attack fading quickly from the quieting of his voice. Even Galleytrot began to sag again. "Take me with you, my Prince."
Liam grasped for his grandfather who struggled to rise. "Daddo! No, you can't leave me." Tears coursed down his cheeks, marking his freckles with sparkles of moisture.
Fergus gasped for a breath, grasping the black dog's fur. Galleytrot supported him, but not for much longer. The drain of magic to keep the old man conscious had to be powerful.
"It's the only way," Fergus said, sliding his fingertips over Liam's cheeks. "I'll die if I stay here, and Syd belongs in this world." His lips curved into a surprisingly youthful smile. "It's been my destiny, boy. And yours. Don't begrudge me the chance to go home."
"Can you heal him?" I lashed out at Thalion with Shaylee's power and he nodded, flinching slightly from her rage.
"Yes," he said. "If the Keeper crosses to our realm, the effects of the Unseelie power will be abolished and he will live."
"We're out of time." Fergus held his arms out to Liam. "I need your help."
Liam lifted his grandfather into his arms, both of them sparking with Sidhe power as Galleytrot walked at their side all the way to the Gate. Liam gently set Fergus down, keeping one arm around his neck. The black dog groaned and fell to the floor, head on his paws, eyes drifting shut.
"It has to be now." Thalion simply watched, face now calm. Liam wavered, but I grasped Fergus's hand and he smiled.
"Yes," he said. "My Prince, bring me home."
Thalion's hand reached through the barrier and grasped Fergus's outstretched fingers. The moment he touched him, the old man vanished. Liam staggered, the weight of his grandfather gone from his shoulder and I caught him just in time before he too fell through the shield.
The Gate flared to life, all of us gasping at the brilliance before the barrier flickered and went soft. As my vision cleared, I again saw Thalion, but now he was alone. The gathered horde of Sluagh had vanished. In their place stood a tall, handsome cookie cutter version of Liam, so much alike I gaped as I looked back and forth to be sure my friend still stood at my side.
"Be well, boy," Fergus said, an echo of his grandson's voice. He smiled as Thalion gazed at me with longing.
"Daddo." Liam choked on more tears, fingers lifting to touch the thin sheet of green power between them. It sparked at his touch, but wouldn't part.
The price had been paid.
"Come with us." Thalion sounded at last desperate and Shaylee shrank from it. I could feel him calling to her, to us, trying to pull us closer and had no doubt if I touched the barrier he would be able to bring me across. Galleytrot was suddenly at my side, shouldering me away from the Gate, great body trembling with weariness, but refusing to allow me to pass.
"Stand down, Prince," he growled. "She is not for your world."
It was then Shaylee opened to me completely, let me understand the Prince's need. And his longing. The third to love her, as unrequited as Venner, not returned. His for her, Venner's for her, hers for Gwynn. The Sidhe were nothing if not complicated.
"If I find you've had something to do with Cydia's betrayal or Venemeth's escape," I said, the family magic flowing through me as my demon's fire flared, "I will come to court, Thalion, but you will not enjoy my visit."
He bowed his head, admitting nothing while Shaylee retreated, refusing to believe. When Thalion spoke, it was with respect and love.
"I will inform your mother of your return," he said. "She will be pleased."
I wasn't sure that was a great idea, but it wasn't like I could stop him. Shaylee continued to hide, refusing to face him any longer. Thalion paused on last moment, heartbreaking, filled with ancient longing, before he turned to Fergus.
Liam's grandfather beamed a smile at me as he raised his arms and called out in Gaelic:
"Gar Geata. Maidin thagann le haghaidh na Sidhe."
Liam whispered a translation. "Close, Gate. Morning comes for the Sidhe."
We had to scramble back as the huge wooden doorway began to swing shut. Fergus waved and waved, still smiling himself silly, until Liam laughed and waved back. Thalion continued to stare at me as the Gate slung almost closed, pausing with the lip still free.
Liam stepped forward, placing both hands on the Gate. "Gar Geata."
With one last flash of power, it thudded shut, the sealing of it vibrating the stones beneath our feet, the light surrounding it flickering out at last. Even as it did, all of the remaining magic gathered itself into a ball of fire and slammed forcefully into Liam. He gasped, but I could tell he was okay. The transfer of power was complete and the new Gatekeeper stood before me.
Liam turned to me, smiling in awe though with sadness behind it.
"He's where he wants to be," he said.
I hugged him. "And you are where you need to be."
Shaylee shuddered as Liam let out a soft sigh. Together we felt it, and shared it with the coven as the first rays of the sun crested the horizon.
Dawn. We'd done it.
The coven sent me their love, so swiftly, as one, I had to hold onto my friend to keep from shaking. One by one, with their power pulling back more gently, they retreated, my family, my coven, until it was only Erica, Dad, Meira and Sassy still with us.
Galleytrot sat back on his haunches, huge tongue hanging out as he softly panted. "Well done, you two."
I held Liam's hand. "Let me know," I said, "when the knock comes next. So I can be here with you."
He grinned at me, a little shy but with relief. "I will. Your Highness."
Surrounded by smart asses.
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