The Circle

by Cindy Cipriano

  “Did you see any Fairy Stone Sidhe?” asked Calum.

  “No,” said Uilleam. “I believe they’ve abandoned their mound, and I think the Hobayeth are responsible.”

  “I don’t understand why the Hobayeth would mark another clan’s token,” said Hagen. “Or why they would have driven the Fairy Stone out of their mound.”

  “The Hobayeth wouldn’t, but a Hobayeth might,” said Donnelly.

  “Torin,” said Tullia, grinding her teeth. “So that’s where he went.”

  “Yes, but that is not where he is now,” said Uilleam. “I’m certain the Fairy Stone Mound is empty. It’s ironic the Fairy Stone won one of the few battles against the duine daonna only to be driven out of their mound by other Sidhe.”

  “Now that we know where Torin is, I’d like to ask him what he knows about Finley’s disappearance,” said Tullia.

  “You can’t ask Torin yet,” said Uilleam. “We really don’t know where he is. We only know where he was last.”

  “And when the time comes, I’ll do the asking,” said Donnelly.

  “Who is this Torin?” Laurel whispered to Calum.

  “I’ll tell you who he is.” Donnelly backed his chair away from the table. “Torin Garvey Dunbar is the Keeper of the Hobayeth clan. He’s also my father.”

  Laurel’s hand flew to her necklace, and she clutched it tightly. Donnelly continued, “Torin was obsessed with power. When I was a kid, I realized he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. I remember one time watching him whip a member of our clan because he didn’t provide an Addition to work in our fields. I begged my father to stop beating the man. I told him I would work in the man’s place. Torin said I would be the next Keeper of the Hobayeth and he would never permit me to work as a servant. That evening, my mother let me know I had disappointed her as well. I couldn’t believe my parents were so cruel. I fantasized that I had become a member of my clan by mistake. My sister, Bari, agreed with my parents, but my younger sister, Alana, wasn’t sure which side to choose. It was for her sake I stayed with the Hobayeth for several more years. But when I met Tullia, I decided to move away from my clan and move on with my life.”

  “Torin created quite a stir when he protested the Additions Ban,” said Tullia. “His only support came through intimidation. Thankfully the Ban passed, but many Sidhe were still afraid of him.”

  “We wanted to question Torin about Finley,” said Uilleam. “But someone warned him and he disappeared. In order to keep peace between the clans, the Hobayeth banished Torin.”

  “And although I no longer associated with him, it wasn’t long before other Sidhe made the connection between me and my father,” said Donnelly. “Tullia and I thought it best if we left the Otherworld and we moved here. When I turned my back on the Hobayeth, they banished me.”

  “How awful,” said Laurel.

  “I think,” said Donnelly, casting a glance at Hagen, “it would have been far worse for me to remain with my clan.”

  Tullia rubbed small circles on Donnelly’s back.

  “But that Hobayeth mark on your Fairy Stone makes me think they never really banished Torin. You have a valuable token Laurel,” said Uilleam.

  “Why?” asked Laurel.

  “Your token may get you into the Fairy Stone and Hobayeth Mounds,” said Hagen.

  “If we ever find them,” Calum blurted.

  “That’s enough talk for now,” said Kenzie. “I told Andrea I’d bring Laurel home after supper. And Dad, you haven’t even eaten yet. You must be hungry.”

  “No thanks, MecKenzie,” said Uilleam. “I need to get home to my bride. I’ve never been away from her for more than twenty-four hours, and today will be no different.” He turned to Laurel. “I’ll speak to Connor tomorrow to see if he has any ideas about Daniel. Just don’t get your hopes up.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “I’m afraid if Torin’s got Daniel—Well there’s not much hope we’ll find him. I’m sorry, Laurel.” He released her and turned to leave. “I’ll be in touch if I learn anything new.” He crossed the threshold without another word.

  Chapter Twelve

  Donnelly

  The weeks passed with no word from Uilleam about Daniel, Finley, or Torin. Calum noticed Laurel had become more and more anxious as Memorial Day drew nearer. They were running out of time. The Friday before spring break, Calum invited Hagen and Laurel to an all-night video gaming session at his house, hoping to relieve some of her anxiety.

  They had completed three levels of Hero’s Revenge before the doorbell announced their pizza delivery. It was such a beautiful night they decided to eat their supper on the back deck. Gus started a small fire in the brick pit, and Kenzie brought out marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers for Calum and his friends to make s’mores for dessert. Calum cleared his throat. Taking the hint, the adults returned to the kitchen, leaving Calum and his friends alone with a large pizza and several bottles of iced soda.

  Calum’s mouth watered as soon as he smelled the pineapple covered pie. He had devoured his third slice when Laurel spoke.

  “I forgot to tell you what happened right after school today. I was in the girls’ room when Susie came in crying. Kirby was with her.”

  Calum hoped it wasn’t anything serious. He liked Susie. “Was it Riley?”

  Laurel shook her head. “No. Susie told Kirby that her dad lost his job.”

  “That’s not good,” said Calum. He wondered how they would manage with Susie’s dad out of work. He pushed the pizza box away, his appetite gone. “Did she say how?”

  “She said her dad went fishing a few weeks ago,” said Laurel. “He ran into a stranger at the lake. Since then he’s been saying they are going to get him. Susie said he goes out every night looking for them. He lost his job because he kept falling asleep at work.”

  Hagen shook his head. “I should have said something.”

  “About what?” asked Calum.

  “The calling. Only I wasn’t sure. I mean, I didn’t really know what it was.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Laurel.

  “The Hobayeth call,” said Hagen. “I heard it a few weeks ago. It wasn’t like the call I hear when my mom or someone in Tusatha wants me. This call was more like a question, asking if any Hobayeth were in the area.”

  “And you didn’t think to mention this?” asked Calum.

  Hagen nodded at Laurel. “How could I, without tipping off Donnelly?”

  Calum knew what he was thinking. “So now what do we do?”

  “I'll check it out,” said Hagen. “It’s got to have something to do with Susie’s dad.”

  “You can’t be serious,” said Laurel. “It’s too dangerous. You need to tell Donnelly.”

  “He can’t, Laurel,” said Calum. “The first thing Donnelly would do is…well, he’d think you were involved because no one knows why you were given that Hobayeth stone. He’d erase your memory.”

  “It’s my memory, my choice. Right?” Laurel said defiantly. “I say you tell Donnelly.”

  “I’m not going to do that,” said Hagen. “Uilleam doesn’t think the Hobayeth or the Fairy Stone are here, remember? And no one even answered the call. I’m not going to tell Donnelly because if I do, you’ll be of no use to us. There’s more than Daniel at risk here. You see it, don’t you Calum?”

  Calum did. Daniel’s unsolved disappearance was too close to home. This might be what they were waiting for, a clue to bring them closer to Finley. If they didn’t take this chance, they might not get another one. “I think we should both go,” said Calum. “We can do it tonight if Laurel covers for us. Will you?”

  “No,” Laurel said flatly.

  “If you’re not gonna help, you should just go home.” Hagen was getting angry.

  “I’m not going to cover for you, because I’m coming with you. We made a deal, remember?”

  “Okay.” Calum raised his hand to stop the argument before it started. “You can come too. We’ll leave tonight after Kenzie a
nd Gus go to bed.”

  They stayed up late, roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores until the fire burned out. Calum poured water into the pit, and they quietly stepped inside the kitchen. He tiptoed upstairs to see if his parents were asleep. When he heard Gus snoring, he knew it was safe to go. As they crept through the kitchen to the back door, Wrecks began whining.

  “You can’t come with us, boy.” Calum grabbed a rawhide chew from a bag on the floor of the pantry. “This will keep you busy.” Wrecks took the treat and trotted to the game room.

  Calum, Hagen, and Laurel eased out of the house and into the pitch black of midnight.

  “Tell me how it happened,” said Laurel. “With Finley.”

  “We were playing outside at Hagen’s house in Tusatha,” said Calum. “Mud splashed into my eyes and I couldn’t see.”

  “I took him inside to get help,” said Hagen. “When we went back out, Finley was gone.”

  “And you guys think Torin took him?”

  “We never got to ask, because Torin disappeared that night,” said Hagen. “I can’t believe I’m related to him.” He stopped walking.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Calum.

  “I’ve heard the Hobayeth call before. The day Finley was taken,” said Hagen, despair in his voice. “I should have told someone.”

  “It wasn’t your fault, Hagen,” said Calum. “You were only five. You had no idea what you heard, plus you were trying to help me.” He put his arm on Hagen’s shoulder. “I say we find this Hobayeth and make him tell us where the clan is. Then whoever is responsible will pay for what they’ve done.”

  “Even if it is my grandfather,” Hagen said bitterly.

  “Let’s keep going,” said Calum, taking the lead. They continued walking until they reached a clearing in the middle of the woods.

  “Are we going through?” Laurel asked nervously. “I mean, through the polder?”

  “No, this is a shortcut to Devil’s Peak,” said Calum. “Susie’s house is just on the other side of the reserve.”

  When they arrived at the edge of the Turnbill property, they hid behind a wooden tool shed and sat down on a thick layer of pine needles. Hagen pointed to where Mr. Turnbill sat, his back propped against a young pine tree.

  Calum heard laughter, evil laughter coming from the other side of the backyard.

  Bob Turnbill staggered to the middle of the yard, swinging a crowbar. “Come here you cowards. Come and get yours!” he shouted to no one.

  “I don’t see anything, do you?” asked Laurel.

  “No, but I hear it. The Hobayeth calling,” said Hagen. He stood, listening to a sound only he could hear.

  Laurel grabbed his hand and yanked him backwards. “What are you doing? Sit down,” she hissed.

  “Who’s that man over there?” Calum glanced back at Hagen and Laurel. She still clutched Hagen’s hand.

  In that instant, a rock struck Mr. Turnbill on his leg, which led him to more fits of yelling and swinging. A gust of wind blew from the pines, causing Mr. Turnbill’s shirt to flap in the breeze, exposing some type of weapon. A tall man ran from the tree line toward Mr. Turnbill. Even in the darkness, Calum recognized him.

  “I agree with Bob, it’s rather cowardly of you to torment him when you’re invisible, Kegan,” Donnelly said in a voice that was not his own. He grabbed a handful of nothing. A man with coal black hair instantly materialized. Donnelly held him by the throat. The man moaned in pain, struggling to break free.

  “Donnelly, what are you doing here?” asked Mr. Turnbill. “Who is this man?”

  “It doesn’t matter, Bob,” soothed Donnelly in an eerily calm voice. “Hagen, Calum,” he called. “A little help?”

  Calum swallowed hard, knowing they were busted.

  “Just you two,” Donnelly added.

  Hagen darted from behind the shed to his father’s side. Calum rose and followed him.

  “Catch Bob.” Donnelly laid his free hand on the man’s shoulder. Bob’s eyes glazed over and he collapsed. Calum and Hagen caught him in time to break his fall, easing him to the ground.

  Still struggling against Donnelly, Kegan’s arms flung wildly. Donnelly lifted him several inches into the air and shook him violently. “Now, dear brother, you will leave and never return. Do you understand? Try to guess why. Take your time, I have all night.”

  Calum had never heard anyone speak this way, and the tone of his uncle’s voice gave him a shiver. It seemed Donnelly enjoyed terrorizing the Sidhe.

  Kegan, twitching in pain, mumbled an incoherent response.

  Donnelly gave him a twisted smile. “Good for you, you got it right. You’ll leave him alone because I’ll find out if you don’t. You only imagine this to be painful,” Donnelly snarled as Kegan screamed in agony. “If we ever meet again, you’ll know what real pain is.” Donnelly lifted his hand and Kegan disappeared in a blaze of red flames.

  Calum jumped, tripping over Mr. Turnbill’s form on the ground.

  “You okay?” asked Donnelly.

  “Yeah,” said Calum, embarrassed.

  “Let’s get Bob back to his house,” said Donnelly. They half carried, half dragged the unconscious man up the porch steps. Calum grunted as they laid Bob on a creaking swing. “Rest and forget,” Donnelly whispered, gently touching Bob’s arm who seemed to drift into a deeper sleep.

  “How did you know we were here?” asked Hagen.

  “You’re not the only one who heard the call,” said Donnelly. “It was strange, after all these years.”

  “Who was that?” asked Calum as they walked back toward the trees where Laurel waited.

  “One of the Hobayeth,” said Donnelly. “I remember him from my childhood. He’s a nomad now, just roaming, looking for his clan. Don’t worry, he won’t be back.”

  “How can you be sure?” asked Laurel.

  “He knows who I am, and knows my threats are…more like promises.”

  Calum looked at Laurel. He hoped Donnelly wasn’t talking about her.

  “Look, I know why you came here, Hagen. You heard the calling. I get it. You’re old enough to go into the mounds, and I won’t be able to stop you from going to any mound you want, but you’ve got to be careful around the Hobayeth. Understand?”

  “Yeah,” said Hagen. “Sorry, Donnelly.”

  “As for you, Calum, Kenzie is going to have forty fits over this.”

  Calum imagined the trouble he’d find at home.

  “Don’t sweat it. I’ll cover for you. This time,” said Donnelly. “There’s really no reason for Kenzie to know you were here.”

  “Thanks,” said Calum, breathing a little easier.

  As they continued walking, they were soon surrounded by the thick trees of the reserve. Calum thought about what Donnelly had said. He’s wrong. Kegan will keep looking until he finds the mound. It’s got to be close, or he wouldn’t be here.

  Calum cringed, certain Donnelly had read his thoughts, but his uncle didn’t seem to notice.

  Donnelly escorted them right to Calum’s front porch. “I think it would be best if you all stay in the rest of the night.” Calum nodded and thanked his uncle again. Hagen gave Donnelly a hug.

  “See you tomorrow,” said Donnelly.

  As soon as Calum bolted the front door, Laurel pulled him and Hagen into the game room. She closed the door behind them. “I know Kegan.”

  “How?” Hagen asked doubtfully.

  “He’s Mr. Girvan,” said Laurel. “The private detective my parents hired to find Daniel. If he’s a Hobayeth, I’ll bet he knows where Daniel is.”

  “We’re already ahead of you,” said Calum.

  “Then let’s go find him!”

  Calum and Hagen didn’t move.

  “What are you waiting for?” Laurel demanded.

  “Donnelly is outside, waiting to see if we’ll go out again,” Hagen said. “If we do, he’ll definitely tell Kenzie what’s going on.”

  “So what do we do?” she asked, visibly frustrated.
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  “We wait until morning,” said Calum. “Let Donnelly think we believe Kegan’s a nomad. When things calm down, we’ll go.”

  Calum’s parents left early the next morning to take inventory at the bookstore in preparation of the upcoming tourist season. Calum and Hagen sat in the guest room as Laurel packed her overnight bag. Buster wound his body between Calum’s ankles, trying to get his attention. The cat soon lost his patience and slunk out of the room.

  “The Fairy Stone Mound has to be in Devil’s Peak,” said Calum. “Think about it. The Fairy Stone were forced from their home in a state park. They’d be drawn to a reserve, and Devil’s Peak backs up to the Turnbill property. I’ll bet you anything it’s there.”

  “Only one way to find out,” said Hagen.

  “Well, I’m ready.” Laurel paused, twisting a section of her long blonde hair around her fingers. “But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to you guys.”

  “We’ll be fine,” said Calum. “We’ll only be there an hour. After that, we’ll leave because of the new law.”

  “But if Daniel is there, how will we get him out?” asked Laurel.

  “Your token. It gets you and one other person into and out of their mound,” said Calum. “You can bring me in, and then take Daniel out. I’ll leave anyway because of the law.”

  “I should be the one to go with her,” said Hagen. “I know more about them than you do.”

  “They know you’re the grandson of the Queen. You’d be safer and more useful if you stayed behind,” said Calum.

  “Gee, thanks Uilleam,” said Hagen, irritated. “How do you figure?”

  “You can be our messenger. If we have problems, you’ll have to call Donnelly. You’re the only one who can.”

  “I thought you guys shared your call?” asked Laurel.

  “The Aessea and Tusatha do,” said Calum. “But Donnelly’s Hobayeth. Only Hagen can call him.”

  Hagen looked disappointed, but nodded. “Okay. But I don’t like it. And you guys have to stick together. It may sound like no big deal walking into their mound, with the new law and all, but it’s risky for a duine daonna to visit a dark clan under any circumstances.”