The Choice

by Cindy Cipriano

  “There doesn’t have to be anything at all,” said Rebeccah. “But there is. There is this: you must look through the shadows of light in the darkness. It may not make sense to you now, but when the time is right, it will. It will make perfect sense.”

  Again with the right time, thought Calum. Just like what Uilleam said about Laurel and Daniel having the talents. The right time. What if the right time had already come and gone?

  “It hasn’t,” said Rebeccah. “Not yet.”

  A new thought struck Calum and he felt panic creeping into his voice. “Rebeccah, Finley was with Torin for over seven years. Did he already…”

  “First, I’ll thank you not to utter that wretched man’s name in my presence.” She turned to Hagen. “I’m sorry. I know he’s your grandfather, but if Torin ever shows his face around me, he will live to regret it. If, he lives at all.”

  “That man is not my grandfather,” Hagen said bitterly. Rebeccah gave him a sympathetic look before continuing.

  “Gaining talents by living in a Sidhe mound only happens to duine daonna who are caught in a mound for seven years. Finley is not a duine daonna. He did not become one of the Hobayeth because he was already Tusatha. He is still Tusatha.”

  Calum felt a slight sense of relief at her words.

  “Everything happens for a reason,” said Rebeccah, “and all in due time. It has always been that way, and it always will be.” She picked up his hand, turning the ring on his finger. She had given him the travelon during their last visit, which allowed him to bring a co-traveler through a threshold. “Maybe one day you will use this to bring your duine daonna for a visit?”

  “That may be a while,” said Hagen.

  “Don’t I know it,” said Rebeccah.

  “Salena told you?” asked Calum.

  “Of course,” said Rebeccah. “You mean the world to her, you know. When you hurt, she hurts. But you are not the only one hurting over this.” She nodded to Hagen. “This duine daonna is special to you as well?”

  “Yeah,” said Hagen, his face reddening. “But we’re just friends. All of us.”

  Calum looked curiously at his cousin. He remembered the jealousy he’d felt when he thought Laurel had a crush on Hagen. That had all been a misunderstanding. Hagen was right—they were all just friends. But something nagged at Calum. If they were all just friends, why did Calum feel a different kind of friendship toward Laurel than the one he had with Hagen?

  “Friends or not,” said Rebeccah, “you boys need to remember blood is thicker than water.”

  Calum didn’t know what she meant by that, but he nodded anyway. “Hey, Rebeccah, are you coming to the Natali?”

  “I don’t know. You might see me there. You never know who you might run into during a Natali.” Rebeccah glanced out the window. The sky had taken on a soft golden hue. “It’s getting late, you both need to head back before Salena comes looking for you. Oh, and I’ve got something for you to give to MecKenzie.” She walked to the back of the store and returned with a small wicker basket filled with black stones. “Tell your mom I’ll put them on her account.”

  Calum took the basket. He stared at the pile of stones, seeing small gaps of darkness between each one. Not even a glimmer of light was trapped between them. No light in this tiny bit of darkness. How would Calum ever find Finley’s light in this great big world?

  Chapter Five

  Uninvited

  Calum noticed two things about the rest of his time in the Otherworld. First, he had met all the Sidhe who attended Tusatha School, so he no longer endured what he called introductory zaps. These were the brief electrical shocks Sidhe feel on first contact.

  Calum also found time worked quite the opposite in Sidhe School compared with Longwood Middle School in Emerald Lake. Time passed much too quickly here and before he knew it, time was up. The last day of school ended on a good note. The Natali.

  The Tusatha Natali was one of the most popular Natali celebrations because the current queen and king of the Otherworld were members of the Tusatha clan. Aine and Connor Brady— Hagen’s grandparents—led the Tusatha reenactment of the first Natali.

  As much as Hagen complained about having to participate in the ceremony, Calum could tell he was enjoying every minute of it. Especially when some of the girls from Sidhe class threw roses at Hagen’s feet as he followed his mother in the procession to the Tusatha Circle.

  He is going to be hard to live with. Calum fell into step with Kenzie, Gus, and the rest of the Sidhe, following Aine and Connor.

  The crowd thickened as it came to a stop at the Tusatha polder. Hagen stood next to Tullia, who stood beside her mother, Aine. Where’s Donnelly? Calum scanned the crowd but didn’t see his uncle. He must be back in the mound with Brytes and Will.

  “Greetings, Tusatha Sidhe and honored guests,” said Aine, shaking Calum from his distracted thoughts.

  The crowd whooped and whistled in response.

  “Tusatha is an open mound, but that wasn’t always the case,” said Aine. “Fifty years ago, all faerie mounds were closed, including ours. Sidhe used tokens to enter and exit their mounds. Each token was clan-specific, only allowing entry into that Sidhe’s mound.

  “Our ancestors created the Natali in an effort to promote goodwill. They envisioned travel between the clans during this celebration as a way to educate ourselves about different Sidhe cultures. It was hoped this knowledge would foster bonds between the clans and minimize the risk of war. There was one problem. All of the mounds were sealed. There would be no entry into any clan without the clan token.

  “An agreement was made to open every mound the eve of summer’s last full moon. At midnight, all Sidhe wore their tokens and danced at their mound’s circle. With every token working at the same time, the dance created a temporary, global faerie circle, allowing passage into any mound.

  “And now, we will open our mound to any Sidhe who wishes to celebrate the Natali with us.”

  The crowd of Sidhe cheered and threw small white puffs into the air that exploded into plate-sized flowers. The flowers floated down, forming a perfect circle at the Sidhe’s feet.

  Calum worried he wouldn’t know what to do. He’d never danced in a faerie circle. Plus, he wasn’t a Tusatha Sidhe. What if I mess it up?

  “You won’t,” said Kenzie. “Since Tusatha is an open mound, any Sidhe can participate in their Natali. Put this on.” She pressed something into his hand.

  It was a pendant on a thin silver chain. Calum slipped it over his head and a tremendous feeling surged through him. He looked down at the pendant, recognizing it immediately. The Aessea token. His token.

  All the time Calum had been separated from the Otherworld and all his regret at being gone for so long fell away. He trampled those feelings under his feet as he joined in the frenzied dance of the Sidhe. He was alone and one with everyone at the same time. The group moved faster, spinning, running, and swirling in a large circle until the ground was no longer just leaves, soil, and branches. A golden glow traced the circular path made by hundreds of dancing feet. The glow drifted to the middle of the circle where it grew brighter and lifted off the ground. The ball of light hovered a few minutes, as if waiting for the Sidhe to calm down, and slowly they did. When all movement stopped, a burst of light shot out from the center of the circle straight into the sky. It appeared to be pointing directly at the North Star along with other golden spears of light. Catching his breath, Calum found he was no longer standing near his parents. How had they gotten separated? He looked for them in a sea of Sidhe faces, each with a strange hunger in their eyes.

  “We now open the Tusatha mound. Welcome to our Natali,” said Aine.

  Everyone cheered. “Welcome to Tusatha!” And with that, a seven-hour global birthday party began.

  Calum watched as Tusatha Sidhe walked into the golden glow, a threshold to any mound in the world. He wondered where he should go, and was walking toward the circle when he felt a strong hand on his right shoulder.
<
br />   “Not this time, son,” said Gus, stopping Calum in his tracks. “Your return to the Otherworld has been very stressful on your mom. It was all she could do to keep from popping in while you were at school.”

  Calum sighed.

  “I know, I know,” said Gus. “You’re thirteen, which means you have the freedom to travel to any mound you’d like. But tonight, all of the mounds are open, even the dark clans’. Let’s cut your mom a little slack. Okay?”

  Calum turned away from the threshold and saw Kenzie walking toward him, a look of concern plastered on her face. He smiled at her and could almost feel her relief as she beamed back at him. Hagen followed closely behind her.

  “How do you like your token?” asked Kenzie, giving Calum a quick hug.

  “Are you kidding?” asked Calum. “I don’t ever want to take it off.” He stared down at the pendant. It was a circular shape with a tree in the middle.

  Kenzie lifted the pendant from Calum’s chest. “This is an oak tree. It means wisdom, honor, and strength.”

  The token around Gus’ neck flashed in the moonlight. Calum was glad his dad had chosen the Aessea clan after his Ceremony of the Three Clans. He shuddered to think what would have happened had Gus chosen the Hobayeth.

  “He’d live through it,” said Hagen, playfully punching Calum on the arm.

  “Yeah, yeah,” said Calum. He pointed to the golden glow.

  “Are you going through the threshold?” He hoped his cousin would stay behind with him.

  “Nope. No need,” said Hagen. “Everyone comes here. They all flock to the coolest clan on Earth.”

  Calum rolled his eyes, but then realized the crowd had tripled. Of course everyone came here. They all came to see the queen.

  “Come on, Kenzie,” said Gus. “Let’s leave these two to hang out with our guests.”

  Kenzie cast a worried glance in Calum’s direction.

  “They’ll be fine,” said Gus. “We’ll see you guys later.” He took Kenzie’s hand and led her deep into the crowd.

  Hagen lifted his token, moving it to the outside of his T-shirt. The Tusatha symbol was the profile of a hawk.

  “So, what’s yours mean?”

  Hagen puffed out his chest. “Strength, nobility, and clarity of purpose.”

  “Clarity of purpose?” Calum roared with laughter. “Seriously?”

  “Watch it,” said Hagen. “You’re talking to nobility.”

  “So, Sir Hagen, while you have this brief clarity of purpose, what should we do next?”

  Hagen grinned. “The bonfire, of course.”

  “Bonfire?” asked Calum.

  “Yeah. It’s the worst kept secret of the Tusatha Natali. The high schoolers start the fire, but they don’t stay too long. They usually head out of Tusatha right after the fire gets going.”

  “Lead the way.”

  Calum followed Hagen away from the polder and even further away from Tusatha Mound. They walked another five minutes before he saw a massive fire with flames that seemed to lick the evening stars. “Whoa.”

  “Come on,” said Hagen, quickening his pace. “Let’s see who’s here.”

  Every one of Calum’s classmates from Sidhe School had gathered around the bonfire. Calum felt the heat when they were a good thirty feet away. Bright streaks of blue, green, and purple danced in the flames every few minutes. Why does it look like that?

  Cian Guinness strolled over to them and gave both boys a flat piece of light-colored wood. He also handed Hagen a small, but sharp knife. “We’re thinking of crashing the Hobayeth Natali later. Any advice?”

  “Yeah, don’t get caught,” said Hagen.

  “Is that okay?” Calum whispered as Cian walked away laughing.

  “They aren’t going,” said Hagen. “Every year someone talks it up, but no one ever goes there. Not even on Natali.” He passed the knife to Calum.

  “Thanks?” Calum looked at Hagen, puzzled.

  Hagen laughed. “They’re wish sticks. Think of one word that describes what you want most in the world. Carve that word into the stick and then throw the stick into the fire. They burn fast. If you say your wish before the stick burns up, it will come true.”

  Calum stared into the bonfire. Just one word? But Calum had two. He wanted things to go back to the way they were with Laurel. He had missed seeing her over the past few weeks, and wondered how she was doing. But there was something he wanted more. Calum carved one word into the wish stick. He studied the carving for a few seconds then tossed the stick into the fire pit.

  Calum whispered, “Finley.”

  As soon as the stick hit the flames, multicolored sparks burst from the fire. He hoped the variety of colors meant the wish stick had worked.

  Other Sidhe tossed their wish sticks into the flames. Calum watched as a rainbow of color burned its way through the fire. He was about to ask Hagen what he’d carved into his when someone caught his eye.

  A girl had been staring at Calum. She had huge black eyes and glossy black hair.

  “Who’s that?” Calum asked, pointing to her.

  The girl dropped her wish stick on the edge of the bonfire. She turned away, swiftly walking in the opposite direction.

  “Who’s who?” asked Hagen, rising on his toes to look over the crowd.

  “It’s her. She’s heading to the polder.” Calum broke into a run. The girl glanced back, saw Calum, and took off at top speed.

  “Wait!” called Hagen, running to catch up.

  Calum sprinted after the black-haired girl, closing the distance between them. He stumbled briefly when she surprised him by shapeshifting midstride into a red head. A second later, she was a blonde. Determined to get to her, Calum kept his eyes glued to the back of her head. The shapeshifting was slowing her down and he was gaining on her. They had reached the polder when he stretched out his right hand and grabbed the hood of her jacket. She became at once a ball of arms and legs, lashing out at him with fists and feet.

  Hagen caught up to them and jerked the girl away from Calum. He pulled the girl’s jacket down, pinning her arms at her side.

  “Let me go,” she demanded. Her hair changed back to its original glossy black.

  “You,” Hagen hissed. “You’re the one I chased that day in Devil’s Peak Reserve. What are you doing here?”

  “It’s Natali,” said the girl. She twisted her way out of Hagen’s grasp. “You invited me.”

  Calum spotted her token. The Hobayeth.

  “We’d never invite anyone from your clan,” said Hagen.

  “Really? No one?” asked the girl, straightening her jacket. “Not even dear old dad?”

  Hagen lunged for her, but she darted out of his reach.

  “Stop it, Hagen,” Calum ordered. He stared into the girl’s eyes. “Why are you here?”

  “Why, Calum,” said the girl. “It is a worldwide party, isn’t it?”

  “How do you know my name?” he asked.

  “How do I not know it?” asked the girl, laughing derisively.

  “You’d better get out of here,” said Hagen. “While you can.”

  “Don’t worry,” said the girl. “This party’s pretty lame. I do hope Donnelly is having a better time visiting the Hobayeth.”

  “What?” Hagen asked in a faint voice.

  The girl seized the opportunity. She bolted toward the polder and leaped into the golden circle.

  “We have to go after her.” Hagen raked his hand through his hair.

  “Go where? We have no idea where she went,” said Calum.

  “Then I’m going to the Hobayeth Mound,” said Hagen. He turned away from Calum. “I’ve got to get to my dad.”

  “You can’t go there. You know Torin wants you.” Calum gently pulled Hagen away from the circle.

  “Wanted me,” said Hagen, spitting out the words. “My grandfather was after me the day he took Finley. But that was a long time ago.”

  “It’s still too risky,” said Calum. “You don’t know what Torin’s u
p to. And we don’t know if Donnelly is still in the Hobayeth Mound or if he even went there.”

  An odd sensation traveled through Calum. It had been so long since he’d felt this way, he’d almost forgotten about the sparks. This time, it was different. This spark was purposeful assuring Calum his uncle was safe. “Donnelly is okay. Somehow I just know he is. If I didn’t believe that, I’d lead the way there.”

  Hagen seemed to consider what Calum said.

  “Donnelly can handle himself inside the Hobayeth Mound,” said Calum. “He can handle himself anywhere.”

  Hagen sighed as relief colored his expression. “You’re right,” he said. “I wonder what that girl was doing here, though.”

  “She had a wish stick,” said Calum. “Let’s see if we can find it.” They returned to the bonfire where the crowd had grown.

  The flames now had no hint of the normal red, orange, or yellow colors. Neon blues, greens, and even white flames eagerly consumed the wish sticks being tossed into the fire a dozen at a time. Calum walked around the edges of the bonfire, pushing through the crowd until he saw it. He bent to retrieve the wish stick, which hadn’t quite made it into the flames. The stick was singed, but still readable.

  Calum looked at the carving, and then raised an eyebrow.

  “What’s on it?” asked Hagen.

  “Calum.”

  “Why would she write your name?”

  “No idea,” said Calum. But I’m gonna find out.” He shouted his name then tossed the wish stick into the middle of the bonfire. Royal blue flames shot back in response. “Think she’ll come back for me?”

  “Not tonight. Not when we’ve already busted her,” said Hagen.

  “Another night, maybe?”

  “She can’t,” said Hagen. “Tusatha’s an open mound, but we’re not open to dark Sidhe.” He looked at Calum. “You know Kenzie’s going to freak about this, right?”

  “When she finds out, she’ll probably never let me come back to the Otherworld,” said Calum.

  “Then she can’t find out,” said Hagen.

  “Yeah, but is it a good idea, keeping the Hobayeth’s visit a secret?”

  “It’ll be okay,” said Hagen. “In about an hour, the circle will disappear. Tusatha Mound will be closed to dark Sidhe until next summer. The next Natali. So there’s no reason to tell anyone about our visitor.