HIDDEN IN TIME

by Longley, Barbara

  “I agree that we must gather, but we already know what the fae have in mind. They believe they have the right to determine our future for us.” Ceann Carraig studied him, his unwavering stare piercing.

  “Aye, but we’ve no hope of having a say if we don’t come up with a plan of our own.

  Brian squirmed under the druid’s intense scrutiny, knowing the old man saw far more than he wished to reveal. Surely Ceann Carraig knew that the heart had gone out of him. Brian struggled to get out of bed each morning. He found no enjoyment in his daily tasks or in the company of his kin or friends. The world had lost all color, turning to varying shades of ash.

  Less than a week ago, he’d had everything he’d ever dreamed possible. He’d been eager for each new dawn, knowing he’d get to spend another day with Grayce. He’d lived in anticipation of the day he and Grayce would welcome a son into their hearts and into their lives. Sighing, he averted his gaze and tried to ignore the lump clogging his throat. “I’ll inform the elders and the chieftains.”

  “I’ll see to it that our druids are informed, and the ceremonial fire will be lit.” Ceann Carraig arched a brow. “Will ye tell Fionn and Alpin, or would ye prefer I do so?”

  “Nay, I’ll tell them.” He said his farewell and set out for the village. Were the two visitors even up yet? No doubt they’d stayed awake until the wee hours, regaling any who would listen with tales of their heroism.

  Brian stepped into the dimly lit pub and found Fionn and Alpin seated by the hearth. They were eating a late breakfast.

  Fionn caught sight of him and waved him over. “Come. Have a seat by the fire, laddie. Ye look as if ye could use a bit of drying off. Would ye care to have a cup of tea with us?” He signaled Alice, who was preparing the room for the crowd soon to begin trickling in for their midday meals and a pint.

  “Aye,” Brian said, taking a seat. He used his sleeve to wipe the wetness from his face. “We need to discuss our clan’s future.”

  Alice appeared at the table, holding a fresh pot of tea and another mug. “Good morning, Brian.” She eyed him as if searching for cracks. “How are you?”

  “I’m fine, and a good morning to ye as well.” He mustered a smile and poured himself a steaming cup of herbal tea.

  His smile seemed to ease her concerns, and Alice turned to Fionn and Alpin. “Do either of you need anything else?”

  “Nay,” Fionn said, patting his belly. “The food was excellent as always. Thank your cook for us, Alice.” He produced a gold coin from a pouch and handed it to her.

  Alice’s eyes widened, and she grinned. “I will.” She gathered the empty dishes and left.

  Fionn leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I cannot tell ye what a joy it has been to spend time here with my clan. I am loath to leave these valleys. I do so miss the land of my birth.”

  Alpin’s expression was one of amusement, and Brian suspected the fae knew how difficult it was for him to refrain from voicing his frustration. “I’ve called a gathering for this eve. Anxiety is high, and our people need to be informed regarding the fae council. I’m guessing you were granted permission to come to us for that purpose, aye?”

  “Aye.” Fionn grew solemn. “I suppose it is time. Boann, Alpin and I have been pressing the council to allow na Baiscne to have some say in determining what is to be done. We were sent to act as go-betweens. I believe our efforts on the clan’s behalf would be more effective if we brought back a few representatives to present our clan’s position. Ceann Carraig for one.”

  “You for another,” Alpin added. “You have a greater stake in the outcome, since Boann inadvertently separated you from your wife.”

  “Good. We’ll meet tonight at dusk.” He rose from his chair. “I must inform the elders and chieftains.”

  “Do that,” Fionn said. “Until later then.”

  Boann could not have known he and Grayce had wed when the fae had taken his wife from him. Perhaps the fae princess was willing to make amends. Brian’s heart pounded so hard he feared it might burst. Dare he hope for a resolution that would reunite him with Grayce? Boann’s actions were governed by her king, and there was nothing Brian could do to influence a fae king other than to plead his case.

  Brian sat in the front row of the ring of benches with the other village chieftains as Fionn informed the clan what the fae had in mind. As expected, the options presented were obvious: recast the magic and remain as they were, let the magic unravel gradually while preparing to assimilate, or be returned to the era in which their valleys were hidden. The latter would place them in the middle of a war that had nothing to do with them.

  “As it stands, the Tuatha dé Danann believe they have the right to make a decision regarding the future of na Baiscne without our input. We need to convince them they are wrong.” This elicited a noisy outcry. Fionn nodded and raised his hands for quiet. “We do have some allies on the fae council. Thanks to those allies, Alpin and I were granted permission to come to ye.” He looked out over the assemblage, his expression resolute.

  “We will take a few emissaries back to Dagda Mór’s court with us to present our case. Before we do, we as a clan must arrive at a consensus about what we want. We must form a convincing, reasonable argument why our solution is best for all.” He glanced toward the chieftains and druids.

  Fionn’s use of the collective “we” made Brian’s teeth itch. Fionn and Alpin would return to Tir na nÓg, or Summerland as the realm was also called, after the fae council reached their decision. That couldn’t happen soon enough as far as he was concerned.

  “I know ye’ve all been talking with your chieftains about naught else since Alpin and I arrived. Therefore, we shall first hear from each of them, and then from the druids. On the morrow, the options shall be discussed, refined, and voted upon by our council of elders as is our custom. Are there any objections to what I propose?”

  No one said a word, and Fionn turned to the chieftains. “Let us begin with Monroe.”

  Brian listened attentively as Monroe and then Donnal voiced the preferences expressed to them by their villagers, and now it was his turn to address the gathering. He drew in a deep breath and took his place in front of the sacred fire.

  “I believe we are all in agreement that returning to the era in which we were hidden is unacceptable. That leaves two reasonable choices. Both have been discussed at length, and I do not wish to repeat what has already been said. I will defer to the collective wisdom of our council of elders to make the right decision. I would instead like to address a grievous wrong we have perpetuated for centuries.”

  He peered out at his people, and his heart wrenched. “Ye all know Grayce has been taken from me. For a time, I had no idea what had become of her, and I cannot begin to describe how losing my wife has devastated me.” He had to swallow a few times before he could continue.

  “One thing my time with Grayce has taught me is that no matter which course we take, we must insist that changes be made in how things are done. We cannot continue to rip women from their lives and from their loved ones as we have.”

  A rumble spread through the crowd, and Brian held up his hands, asking for quiet. “I understand things were different in the third century. Stealing a woman from her clan because ye wished to wed her was acceptable. Back then, stealing a wife didn’t mean she’d never see her kin again. The world has changed, and so must we.” Another murmur arose, and he couldn’t help noticing many of the women were nodding.

  “We’ve all witnessed the grief and anger our magic has caused the women who come to us. Not a day went by that my wife didn’t suffer the loss of her beloved family. That she could not let them know she was alive and well and knowing she’d never see them again made her grief ten times worse. She was angry, and with good cause. What right have we to traumatize others this way?” He gazed out at the families gathered within the sacred circle.

  “I’ve no doubt those of you who have been blessed with a mate by your side know exactly what I’m talking
about. We’ve ached right along with our women.” His parents sat in the second ring of the circle along with his grandda, Beth and her family. Brian’s gaze went to his mother. Her eyes shone with tears, and she nodded once. He took that as approval and continued.

  “Can ye imagine for a moment how ye’d feel if your son disappeared? Can you imagine what our women’s families and friends go through, not knowing what has become of them and fearing the worst?” He paused to allow his words to take hold. “Whether we remain hidden or allow our borders to fade, the way in which women come to us must change.”

  “What are ye suggesting then?” a man in the back shouted. “How are we to find wives?” Several other young men got to their feet and joined their voices to his.

  “Perhaps by fathering daughters as well as sons,” he shouted back. “Perhaps by venturing forth to seek a willing mate and bringing her back to our valleys if that is what she chooses. What if we give the women who do come through a way to return if they wish?” He shook his head. “I don’t know exactly how we should go on; I only know that we cannot continue as we have. It is not right.”

  This set off a number of discussions, and Brian held up his hands again. “If the council votes to remain as we are, I shall support their decision. If the council decides it’s time to allow the magic to gradually fade, I shall support that decision as well. Like our other two chieftains, I am sworn to protect and lead us into the future. I shall do so to the best of my ability. All I ask is that we address the wrong in our current system. I am certain with Fionn and Alpin’s help, we can find a better way to continue.”

  Brian once again took his seat. Ceann Carraig would speak next, and then Fionn would bring the gathering to an end. Voices droned, but he could no longer listen. What was Grayce doing right now? First, she’d lost her family and her way of life, and now they’d lost each other. That he could not hold her in his arms and comfort her tore him to shreds. Gods, he missed her. Sighing, Brian forced himself to pay attention.

  Fionn once again took his place before them. “Tomorrow, the elders will gather to discuss what we shall present to the kings of the Tuatha dé Danann and to the fae council.” His gaze swept over the assemblage. “Let us gather again at twilight, and their decision shall be announced. Is that agreeable to all?”

  A chorus of assent arose, a benediction given, and with that the clan begin to disperse.

  “Brian, will ye come home with us?” his father asked. “We’ll have supper and talk a bit.”

  “Aye.” He joined his family as the crowd made their way out of the ceremonial grounds. The walk to his parents’ cottage was quiet and somber. It seemed everyone had a lot on their minds after the gathering.

  His mother looped her arm with his. “I’m proud of you, Brian. You have the gratitude of every woman in the clan.”

  “We’re all proud of ye, laddie,” his grandda added. “Ye are quite the speaker.” His grandfather and Beth were staying with Brian’s parents.

  “I’m sorry for the distress this clan has caused ye and every woman here, Ma. For so long I didn’t give the way things were done a second’s thought, but then I saw firsthand how our magic affected Grayce. My thinking has changed.”

  When he and his kin reached the cottage, Rosie and Rufus darted out to greet them. The pair whined, wagged their tails and danced around everyone’s feet.

  “I’ll feed the dogs and see that they have fresh water,” Brian said as his kin entered the cottage. “I’ll also see to the livestock. Has the cow been milked?”

  His father nodded. “Aye, before the gathering.”

  “I’ll stir the fire to life,” his grandda said.

  “Sloan, will you fetch cheese and ham from the springhouse?” his mother asked.

  Amid a flurry of activity, Brian gathered the day’s leftovers for the dogs and left the cottage. By the time he finished taking care of the animals, it was full dark beneath the thick clouds. As if the damp chill wasn’t enough, rain began to fall in earnest just as he began jogging back to the cottage. He entered through the back door, shaking off the wet before entering the main living space.

  “Wash up and have a seat. Supper is on the table,” his grandda said.

  As everyone settled and food was passed around, his mother turned to him. “Beth and I have been talking. If our elders decide to allow the magic to fade, and the fae council agrees, an infinite number of complications will arise.”

  “Such as?” Brian put a slice of ham and one of cheese between two slices of buttered bread.

  “In the outer world, when a baby is born, a birth certificate is issued and filed with a civil registration service. Without a birth certificate, you can’t prove who you are or if you’re even an Irish citizen. Do you remember when I came through, and I showed you my passport and driver’s license? You wouldn’t be able to get either of those things, both of which you’d need. In fact, without identification, you cannot even become gainfully employed.”

  Beth pointed at him, Sloan, and then at Braedan. “To modern day Ireland, you three don’t exist, and the women who came through while vacationing in Ireland are living here illegally. Not only that, but most of us have been declared dead since we went missing more than seven years ago.”

  He frowned. “Hmm.”

  “How on earth will we explain everything to the authorities?” his mother asked. “Will we be allowed to remain in our valleys when, legally speaking, we don’t own the land?”

  Brian shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t have the answers, but if these issues occurred to the two of you, the women on the council of elders will also think of them.”

  Sloan placed a hand over his wife’s. “Brianna, love, if you had your way, what would you like to see happen?”

  Brianna shared a long look with Beth. “I think you’ll find most of the women here would prefer the magic gradually fade, even though it could take a century for that to happen. We’d need a lot of help, both magical and non-magical. However, if small groups left at intervals, with the connections we have on the outside, things could be done to help ease the transition. And, as each small group makes their way, they’d have to agree to help the groups that follow.”

  “We think the young unmarried men should be the first to leave.” Beth straightened. “We believe the transition would be easier for them, though they’d need help on the outside. Everyone who leaves is going to need some kind of training or education in order to earn a living. We figure Alpin can control how long it takes for the magic hiding these valleys to end. The transition can be managed over a few generations. It’s doable.”

  “Our people will need identification documents,” Brianna added. “Many of us still have families in the outer world. We’re sure they’d help, and we do have connections to the fae. Beth and I have spoken to some of the women on the council of elders, and—”

  “Seems to me it’d be a whole lot less complicated if we stayed right where are, as we are.” Braedan rapped his knuckles against the surface of the table.

  His grandfather’s face had turned ruddy, and Brian could see how upset he was. Beth and his mother’s idea might appeal to the younger members of the clan, but the older folks? Like his grandda, he suspected they’d fight change tooth and nail.

  “Let us speak of other things,” Brian suggested. “The decision will be made by the council, and right now there is nothing we can do to tip the scales one way or the other, aye?”

  “Aye.” His father grinned. “What do ye think of Fionn MacCumhaill, Da? Have ye had the pleasure of hearing him tell a tale or two?”

  “He’s a pleasant enough fellow and a grand bard to be sure,” Braedan said. “Bit of a braggart though if ye ask me.”

  The next hour was spent avoiding touchy subjects as they finished supper and cleared the table. After helping to clean up, Brian was more than ready to head home. His da and grandda had settled at the table with a deck of cards and the cribbage board. Beth sat beside the hearth with knitting ne
edles and yarn. “Well, I’m off then,” he said, draping the linen he’d used to dry the dishes on a peg. “Good night to ye.”

  “Do you mind if I walk halfway with you?” his mother asked. “I’d like a bit of fresh air before retiring for the evening.”

  This was his mother’s way of letting him know she had something on her mind. “Your company is always welcome, Ma.” He fetched her cloak for her, and the two of them left by the back door, the shorter path to his cottage.

  “I don’t really wish to walk on a night like this.” She brought him to a stop beneath the boughs of a pine. “I want to talk to you about Grayce.”

  Even the mention of his wife’s name twisted him into a painful knot. “Aye?”

  “You know I’ve always believed things happen for a reason. Grayce has a fae relation, the granddaughter of a fae king, no less. Grayce’s brother-in-law came from the same era as Fionn MacCumhaill. Your wife joined us just as we learned the magic hiding these valleys is unraveling. She appeared to us for a specific reason.”

  He sighed. “I’m certain her coming to us was the catalyst behind the changes to come. But Ma, that wick has been lit. Grayce’s reasons for being here are no more.” He raked a hand through his dampening hair. “The magic hiding us has lasted more than seventeen-hundred years. It’s not likely to fade away entirely in the next several decades. What if it takes the fae a couple centuries to reach a decision regarding our valleys?” Brian shook his head. “I have to accept that Grayce is lost to me.”

  “Fionn and Alpin won’t let that happen. They wouldn’t be here otherwise. The plan Beth and I spoke of will work, and Grayce’s connections with her brother-in-law and his fae daughter are key to its success.” She shook his arm. “Don’t you see? It’s you and Grayce who will lead us into the future.”

  His eyes stung, and the damn lump that so oft clogged his throat rose again. “I can’t think like that. Doing so does me no good. If our council and the fae council agree to have Alpin reinforce the magic hiding us, I’ll be gutted all over again.”