by Claire Fogel
Shaking his head, Conor said, “I only rode in this morning to accompany Arlynn. She’s working at the store with your mother today. But I’d like to see Sean too.”
“Well, you’re in luck,” I told him. “Sean’s going to spend the day with me, so if you stick around for a while, he’ll be here.”
My phone rang. I looked at the display and smiled. “Synchronicity,” I said.
“Hi, Sean. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Hi, beautiful. Talking to you last night really helped. I even got some sleep. I’m not calling too early, am I?”
“Actually, your timing is perfect. Conor’s here. How soon can you come over?”
“Well, that’s what I need to talk to you about. My dad needs his car today, so I’ll need a ride.”
“If either Conor or my Dad will ride shotgun, I can come over to pick you up now.”
Conor said, “I’ll go with you. Just to make sure Thornewood’s mailboxes are safe, of course.” He chuckled. I just shook my head.
My father was trying not to smile and not doing a very good job. “That may be a sore point. It’s best to avoid mentioning mailboxes in Cara’s presence.”
Arlynn gave me a sympathetic look. “Don’t pay any attention to them. Your mother told me you drive very well.”
My father said, “Why don’t you and Conor go pick up Sean now. I’d like to see him too.”
Arlynn added, “So would I. I’ve heard so much about him, Cara.”
Conor looked at me. “Shall we?”
“Sure. Just let me give Sean a quick call.”
Sean was delighted, so Conor and I left by the front door. I was surprised to see Adam sitting on the porch.
“Adam, have you been here all night?” He must have; he looked tired.
He smiled. “The policeman out front fell asleep. I thought one of us should stay awake. Where are you going so early?”
Conor said, “We’re going to pick up Sean and bring him over here for the day. Brian’s inside. Why don’t you go in now and get a cup of coffee.”
Adam nodded and stood up to go inside. Conor walked me to my car and stood at the curb, looking my car over for a few minutes.
“What’s the matter?” I asked him. “You’re not nervous, are you? I can assure you I haven’t hit anything in weeks,” I grinned.
He smiled, his silvery eyes sparkling. “I hate to admit this, Cara, but I’m a lot more comfortable on a horse.”
I started the car, racing the engine for a few seconds just to see his reaction. His eyes got big for that few seconds.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” he said.
I chuckled. “Don’t worry. I really am a safe driver.”
As we drove through town, we saw police cars on almost every block, and cops in uniform patrolling the downtown area. The police presence in Thornewood was impressive.
“Your police chief is doing everything he can to keep you and your friends safe. It’s hard to believe that the man who shot that boy was one of his men.”
“I’m sure the Chief is sick about it. That man had been in touch with Gaynes since last spring, feeding him any information he had. I guess the moral of that story is that even people you trust can fool you.”
Conor looked over at me. “I hate hearing that kind of disillusionment from someone so young.”
I shrugged. I didn’t like it either.
We pulled up in front of Sean’s house just as Sean and his father walked out. Conor got out to talk to Mr. McKay and gave Sean a hug before he walked around to my side of the car.
Sean leaned into my window and kissed my cheek. “Hi, beautiful.” I was glad to see he was able to smile today.
“Hop in. Conor said he was hoping to see you, and there’s someone else at the house who wants to meet you.” I chuckled. “Prepare yourself.”
He climbed into the back set and leaned forward, resting his arms on the back of my seat. “Who is it? Why the mystery?”
“You remember my mentioning Arlynn, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I think you said she was too beautiful to be human, right?”
“Yep. Well, she’s heard me mention you and since you and Conor are cousins, she wants to meet you. She and Conor are kind of attached.” I couldn’t help smiling. “They’re perfect for each other.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He sat back, smiling, as Conor got back in the car.
We waved goodbye to Mr. McKay and drove back to my house. As we drove through the downtown area, Sean muttered, “Cops everywhere. Thornewood’s practically on lockdown. This is what Gaynes has done to us.”
Conor said, “It’s temporary. The man will be caught and thrown in jail.”
I thought I heard Sean mumble, “Not soon enough.”
When we got back to my house, we found my parents and Arlynn waiting in the kitchen. My mother got up and put her arms around Sean, which surprised him.
“I’m so sorry, Sean. I know you feel awful, but you must understand that what happened wasn’t your fault. That horrible man is to blame.”
“Thanks, Ms. Connelly. Cara’s been telling me the same thing.”
When Mom moved aside to let Sean walk into the kitchen, Arlynn stood up and came around the table to meet him. As I expected, Sean’s mouth dropped open.
“Hello, Sean. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” Just the sound of Arlynn’s musical voice was enough to render Sean speechless. She put her hand out to him, and naturally, Sean just stood there. I elbowed him and he came back to life and shook her hand.
“Hi Arlynn. It’s, uh, great to meet you.”
Conor sat there, apparently unaware of Arlynn’s effect on Sean. Of course, he saw Arlynn every day and had probably forgotten how amazingly beautiful she was.
My father put one arm around Sean. “I’m glad you’re here today, son.”
Everyone sat back down at the table and I made a pot of Kathleen’s tea. Mom and Arlynn had just enough time to enjoy their tea before they had to leave for Mom’s bookstore. When they left, Mom asked my father to keep her posted after he met with Chief O’Donnell, and Dad walked them outside to the car.
Conor turned to me and asked what we were planning to do all day. I suddenly had an inspiration.
“I’d like to take Sean to Dad’s camp and introduce him to the greys. He’s been fascinated ever since I told him about them. Do you think that would be okay?”
My father walked back into the kitchen and said, “Sounds good to me. And while you’re at it, why not take Sean into Elvenwood and show him around.” Sean’s mouth dropped open.
If there was any way to take Sean’s mind off what had happened the day before, my father had found it. I knew Sean would love it.
There was a big smile on Sean’s face. “Mr. Blackthorne, are you sure it will be okay? I mean, I’m not a Halfling like Cara.”
“You have Elven blood. Your grandfather is a Halfling, and your great-grandfather is an Elf. I think they’d both be delighted to see you.”
Sean looked like his head was about to explode. “They’re both in Elvenwood? Seriously?”
My father nodded with a smile. “Sean, we live so much longer than humans, at a certain point, we have to disappear from view so as not to raise questions. That’s why your grandfathers now live in Elvenwood.”
Sean looked dazed. He whispered, “I thought they had both passed away.”
Conor asked, “Can you ride, Sean?”
“My father took us to a dude ranch for vacation two years ago. I rode every day while we were there. Ever since Cara told me about your greys, I’ve wanted to see them. Can I really ride one today?”
Seeing Sean’s excitement put a genuine smile on my face.
My father nodded. “Absolutely. We have quite a few of our greys stabled at my camp. Conor will find one for you to ride. After breakfast, that is. Cara, would you be so kind as to make breakfast for us?”
Uh-oh. I hoped we had enough bagels for Sunr
ise Specials. I got up and went hunting for the ingredients and found bacon, tomatoes and cream cheese, everything I needed.
“I’ll make Sunrise Specials for us. Good thing we have bagels ‘cause it’s the only thing I know how to make.”
“You made one for me last spring. This is a treat,” Sean said.
When they were ready, I took one out to the front porch to Adam, who thanked me with the usual gorgeous smile. “You’re an angel. You must have known I was starving.”
The Sunrise Specials were a hit. I’d made one for my father a few months ago, but it was a first for Conor.
Once we’d finished breakfast and Sean helped me clean up the kitchen, Conor walked us through the backyard and into the forest. My father stayed at the house, waiting to hear from Chief O’Donnell.
As we walked past the stream where Sean and I had spent time together last spring, he looked at me and said softly, “Good memories, Cara. I hope we can come here again sometime.”
They were lovely memories. We had sat under the trees. I drew pictures of the landscape while Sean read his dad’s old science fiction novels. Those were the peaceful days, the wonderful days, before all the bad stuff started. I couldn’t help sighing. He heard me and took my hand.
He whispered, “We’ll come back one day and it’ll be wonderful again.”
I couldn’t fool myself thinking about something that might never happen. But I wasn’t going to spoil his dream. Not today.
When we entered my father’s camp, I was surprised to see Gabriel waving at us as he ran over. “I figured I should be where Sean is. Don’t worry. There are two more men watching your house, Sean.”
Conor said, “We’ll need to find a grey for Sean to ride. Gabe, if you’ll accompany them to Elvenwood, I can stay here. Brian wants Adam and me with him when he meets with Chief O’Donnell.”
Gabe was all smiles. “I haven’t been home in a week, so I’ll be happy to ride with you. I need clean clothes, and I want to stop in to see my parents. They worry.”
I smiled. “Like all parents.”
He nodded. “Okay, let’s go visit the greys and see if one will volunteer for Sean.”
Sean looked surprised. “One of them has to volunteer to let me ride him?”
“The greys aren’t like any horses you find in the human world. They can communicate with us,” I said. “And they have very definite likes and dislikes.” I grinned at him. “I have a feeling one of the female greys will volunteer.”
Sean’s face got pink and he gave me a look.
“Oh, come on, Sean. All the girls like you; you know that,” I teased.
Gabe laughed. “Yeah, he’s almost as irresistible as I am.”
By this time, Sean’s face was red, but he had to laugh. Gabe was even bigger than Sean, and just as good looking. The girls at school had eyes for both of them.
I greeted Dusty, Gabe’s horse, one of the greys I was especially fond of, and got nuzzled in return. “Sorry, Dusty, no apples today. But I’m happy to see you.” He snorted and it sounded like laughter.
I said hello to all the greys. “Would one of you like to bring Sean to Elvenwood for his first visit? He’s a good friend of mine and I want to show him a part of his heritage he’s never known about.”
One of the greys started nodding her head vigorously and stomping her hooves. I took that as a “yes.” Gabe led her over to us so she could meet Sean.
“Her name is Cloud. She’s very fast.” Gabe chuckled. “She may try to run off with you, so you’ll have to let her know who’s boss.” The grey snorted and tossed her head at him.
Sean approached her slowly, giving her a chance to look him over closely, something all the greys do the first time they meet someone. She looked him up and down, sniffing at him delicately. After a few minutes, she lowered her head to his and blew into his hair. Sean laughed and Cloud made a laughing sound, nuzzling the top of his head.
Gabe grinned. “I think she likes you. Of course, you seem to have that effect on all the girls.” Sean groaned. “Knock it off.”
By that time, we were all laughing. Conor watched us with a smile on his face.
I found Pigeon and one of the boys saddled her for me. When I walked back to Sean and Gabe, Sean took one look at Pigeon and gasped.
“Wow, Cara. She’s beautiful. Her coloring is so unusual.” Pigeon really was a beauty. Her hair was a mixture of light and dark gray and her mane and tail were snow white. “She’s the perfect size for you.” Pigeon lapped up the compliments and started doing her little dance.
“Okay, young lady, settle down. You do want to run, don’t you?” She nodded her head up and down and stood still while I got my foot in the stirrup and lifted myself on her back. I whispered, “I’ve missed you.” I hadn’t ridden her in at least a week. In my mind, I heard, I’ve missed you too, Cara. It was the first time she’d actually spoken to me. I guessed she and I had finally bonded, just like my father and Smoke.
A few feet away, Sean turned to Cloud and asked, “Are you ready?” She whinnied, nodding her big head up and down. He got his foot in the stirrup and lifted himself up.
Gabe was already on Dusty’s back and we were ready to go.
Conor said, “Sean, I’ve already sent a few messages ahead, so your arrival won’t be too big a shock to a few people.” I could see affection in his silver eyes as he patted Cloud’s neck and told Sean, “I wish I could go with you to introduce you around, but I’m sure Cara can handle that part of your visit. Enjoy yourself.”
We rode out of camp slowly, Sean and I riding behind Gabe who asked, “If we let the greys run, Sean, do you think you can stay on her?”
Sean just grinned. Gabe grinned back, whispered in Dusty’s ear, and the boys took off. Behind them, I whispered to Pigeon, “We can’t let them beat us, can we?” She immediately picked up the pace and ran. There were a few spots on the path where it was better to ride single file, so I made sure I got in the lead. Bending down over her neck, I told Pigeon to fly! And she did. She might be smaller than the other greys, but she was also faster.
We pulled up at Elvenwood’s gateway, that impenetrable looking barrier of trees and boulders, with Sean and Gabe right behind me. Sean looked at me. “What is this?”
Gabe winked at me and softly uttered the Gaelic words. A slight mist appeared, and the barrier was no longer there. Instead, we were looking at the wider path into Elvenwood. Sean turned to me, obviously amazed.
“Welcome to Elvenwood,” I said. As we rode on, I could feel the magic in the air and wondered if Sean could feel it too.
Gabe said, “I’ll leave you two here. I’m heading for home, but I’ll see you both in the dining hall for lunch.” He grinned at us and Dusty took off at a trot.
Sean and I rode slowly and I waited for Sean’s reaction.
He was looking all around him, at the thatch-roofed cottages, each with its own garden full of flowers and fruit trees. “Cara, why does the air feel different here? This may sound crazy, but it feels like the village just said, ‘Welcome.’”
“Elvenwood recognized your Elven blood and welcomes you as one of their own. What you’re feeling in the air is magic.”
He looked over at me, amazement written on his face, and began smiling as we rode on. I pointed to my father’s cottage as we rode past it. “We’ll walk back here after we take the greys to the stable. I want you to meet Will. By the way, prepare yourself to see Elves without the human glamour they adopt when they’re outside Elvenwood.”
I saw one eyebrow shoot up as he thought about it. He shook his head again and continued to smile. “This is surreal. I feel like I’ve been dropped into Oz!”
“Yeah, I know. I felt the same way the first time I visited. Elvenwood has always seemed a bit like a fairy tale to me.” He nodded, grinning.
We rode our greys into the stable and dismounted. Before I knew it, I was being lifted off my feet and hugged by Will. “Welcome back, Cara. The greys and I have all missed you, lass.”
He put me down and turned to Sean. “And you brought us another McKay. What’s your name, boy?”
Sean smiled and held out his hand. “Sean McKay, sir.” Will’s huge hand dwarfed Sean’s. “Well, it’s good to meet you, Sean McKay.
“Are you just visiting us for the day, lass?”
“Yes. Thornewood has been really difficult lately, and I thought Sean and I deserved a break. Sean didn’t know Elvenwood existed until I started visiting a few months ago.”
Will grinned. “Welcome to Elvenwood, lad.”
We thanked Will and left the stable. “Kathleen’s cottage is just down the road. I always like to stop in to see her when I’m here. I’m sure she’ll remember you. She did a great job on your face.”
“I remember thinking she had to be a magician.”
I laughed. “She definitely is. There’s magic all around us here. More than you know.” I couldn’t help thinking about Rowenna. I wondered if Sean could handle that much magic.
We visited Kathleen and she was happy to see Sean again, with his face unmarked this time. Looking Sean up and down, she grinned and said, “I can’t get over how much you look like Conor when he was your age. Such bonny boys.”
As we walked back to my father’s cottage, Sean looked as though he was trying to absorb everything he was seeing. Elves peeked out of every cottage we passed. Some waved at us. Some just stared at Sean, which wasn’t surprising. He was worth staring at.
“Why are they staring at me?” he asked.
“Mmm, well, round ears for one thing. And, of course, you’re a younger human version of Conor, something they don’t see every day.”
“Yeah, but you have round ears. You’re obviously human.”
“They’re used to me. And some of them think I’m more Elf than human anyway.”
He looked at me and smiled. “I can understand that.”
We’d reached my father’s cottage and found young Ian fidgeting on the front step.
“Cara, you’re back! How long are you staying? Who’s this?”
I couldn’t help laughing at my freckle-faced young friend. “Ian, I’d like you to meet my friend, Sean McKay. He’s Conor’s cousin. We’re only here for the day, I’m afraid. We’ll be going back to Thornewood this afternoon.”