“We were attacked on our way out of the SF Council House,” I pulled a chair over, and settled into it. “They were using elf-shot, Dad.”
“What?” Keir's amethyst eyes went round. “So Moire has the elves on her side.”
“Yes.”
“That is unfortunate.”
“You're telling me,” I grimaced. “I wasn't the only one who got shot, but I was the only one it nearly killed.”
“It poisoned your human blood,” Keir's jaw clenched. “Devious of her. You were given suvanis in time?”
“Yes, thanks to Lady Eibhleann.”
“Aideen's mother?” Keir perked up.
“Yes,” I cocked my head at him. “Why did your voice do that?”
“Do what?” Keir's face went blank.
“That thing where it goes up a little,” I pointed at him. “You like her.”
“She's a lovely, oak dryad,” he said stiffly. “Very talented with her healing magic. I've tried to hire her for Gentry, but she refuses to leave Fairy.”
“I don't blame her.”
“Nor do I,” Keir sighed. “Please extend my gratitude to her.”
“I will,” I promised. “Raza has headed back to Unseelie. He's going to check-”
“On the elves,” Keir finished for me. “Yes, of course. When you speak to him, ask him to scry me.”
“Alright,” I said. “Why? Do you know where the elves are holed up?”
“Not in San Francisco, no,” Keir frowned. “Though something feels off about that. Did the Head Councilman have any news regarding Moire?”
“There were a few sightings,” I nodded. “And an incident with elf-shot and a human.”
“Moire elf-shot a human?” Keir asked.
“A few actually.”
“That makes no sense,” Keir's frown deepened.
“Bress said something similar about Moire shooting me,” I offered. “That although she wouldn't mind seeing me dead, she wouldn't strain her relationship with the dark elves to kill me unless it was important.”
“No, she's too shrewd for that,” Keir agreed. “The Thorns have always been known for their cunning.”
“So why would she risk it?”
“She must have another reason for wanting you dead,” Keir said grimly. “Though I can't fathom what it could be.”
“Great,” I sighed, “now I don't even get to know why I'm being targeted.”
Cat whined.
“I think you've forgotten one other, very terrifying reason for Moire tonotkill you,” Keir gave me a pointed look.
“The Sluagh,” I whispered as if saying their name too loudly might summon them. “That's right. She can't kill me or the monsters of Fairy will come for her. It doesn't matter which realm you're in, you can't hide from the Sluagh. I think I know that better than most.”
