"Is this where you try to kill me for killing your Cathal?" Valentine asked, tucking his hands into his pockets. His fingers toyed with the contents, waiting to see what the king would do.
"No. I think killing you would be a waste of good talent," Midir replied finally. "Cathal was growing complacent, and it got him killed by a stronger warrior. You have put me in need of a good general and spymaster, though."
"Then it feels like an opportune time to tell you that I absorbed his shape-shifting ability when I killed him. I'm sure it will come in handy, especially tied in with my own natural abilities," Valentine replied. He took out the melted token and flicked it at the king. Midir caught it neatly with one hand. "You can have this back, too. I don't have need of Afon's cast-offs. I don't suppose he is here?"
Midir tossed the silver into the air, and it disappeared. "Would you care if he were?"
"No. I am curious what you saw in a snivelling little prick like that. He's no warrior, and he has fucking terrible diplomatic skills. Did you turn him into one of your little puppets to get his obedience?" Valentine asked.
Midir chuckled. "I didn't need to. He came to me with his two friends after Taranis decided to make a fat common human his queen."
Valentine swallowed down his fury at the disrespect toward Quinn. He cleared his throat to hide his snarl.
"A king should be able to do as he wishes. Otherwise, what is the point in being king?"
"I agree with you entirely. It is why I want access to Ireland again. I don't know what gives Taranis and his family the right to police what is mine by right," Midir said, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "You say that you can fix my entryway back to Ireland?"
Valentine cut the pad of his thumb on the other small piece of silver he had in his pocket. "I can if it's what you want. Taranis wasn't lying when he said the human world has changed. It may no longer be as enjoyable for you. Humans tend to bite back a lot harder these days."
"Maybe the harder they bite, the more fun it would be," Midir replied, his perfect glamor slipping to reveal something sharp-toothed and predatory underneath.
"Well, if that's how you feel, you're really going to love my mate," Valentine said cheerily.
Midir opened his mouth to speak when a roar echoed from distant halls.
"What have you done?" the king snarled, standing to his feet.
"Me? I haven't done anything," Valentine said and pulled out the bloody piece of silver from his pocket. "My mate, on the other hand? She's a genius and decided to make some improvements to your token design. Doesn't sound like she'simpressed I came to visit. She's a little jealous of who I spend time with."
The doors to the hall burst open as warriors were flung backward, their blood and viscera staining the perfect crystal and silver of the hall.
Yelena's magnificent, horned head shoved its way in behind them, and she sent a stream of ice over another group of warriors heading for Valentine. Midir bellowed in fury, and portals began to open all around them. Warriors poured in through them, their weapons raised.
Black and crimson threads of magic rose out of Valentine's arms, and he began to smile.
38
Valentine turned back to Midir, his smile becoming even more maniacal. "I did tell you I would open a portal to Ireland for you, and I always try to keep my promises."
Valentine sank into his magic like he had on the night he rescued Yelena and let his will guide his power. Threads of scarlet and black danced into an archway, time slowed, and the veil between worlds opened for him.
When time began again, the barrow kingdom of Brí Léith shook with the cacophony of war.
Midir was shouting to his warriors. Yelena was back in a human form, and Taranis and the knights were charging in behind her.
Valentine threw open the gateway he had created, making it larger and larger. A cold wind blew in, horns sounded, and Kian, shining in golden armor, rode through on horseback. Bayn and Killian rode beside him with Imogen and Arawan on giant hounds, leading a host of his warriors.
Valentine's blades were in his hands, and he cut and slashed his way towards his family. Midir was opening portals to letmore of his warriors in. Yelena was focused on closing them as quickly as they opened.
A warrior jumped in front of Valentine, only to fall a second later with a double-bladed axe buried in his skull. Imogen pulled it free, spraying her black armor with blood.
"You could have given us a bit more warning, you dick," she said, stepping on the body and dropping down next to Valentine.
"You are an Ironwood. You are always ready for a fight," Valentine replied. "Did you get my other message about what I need?"
Imogen tossed her thick, lavender braid over her shoulder. "Of course I did, but expect Arawan to be pissy at you after."
"I'm sure you will find a way to make it up to him," he replied, picking up an enemy with his magic and tossing him out of the way. "I need to get to Yelena."
