Gerard drew himself up to his full height, the flicker of fire on the spearhead casting warm light over his face. “Will you accept my terms, my lady?”
“I will,” the Cailleach Bheur said with a low cackle. “A bargain made is a bargain kept.”
She extended her hand and Gerard shook it, ignoring the way ice formed over his fingers. When they broke apart, the ice cracked and fell off.
“Tell me where Órlaith is.”
The Cailleach Bheur lifted her staff and pointed at the gray horizon southwest of them. “The seasons chase each other all year round. I always know where spring and summer thrive, as they know where the chill of winter sits. You will find the Summer Lady at the edge of our lands, in the sea. They hold her atNa Scealaga.”
Gerard bowed to the Cailleach Bheur. “Your assistance is appreciated, my lady.”
“Your word is binding, Cú Chulainn. Do not forget that.”
The Cailleach Bheur hunkered down within her cloak, the color of her dark blue skin darkening to gray. Her movements became stiff and slow as her body hardened into stone limned in ice.
“Uh, so where exactly are we going?” Wade asked as Gerard turned on his heels and headed back up the cliff.
“The Skellig Islands,” Gerard said.
Patrick jerked around, nearly falling as his feet slid over the ice. Jono grabbed him by the arm to keep him upright. “What? That place is a bunch of rocks and birds. It’s gonna be freezing in this weather.”
“Yes, and we’ll bring the fight to the Dominion Sect.”
“We need a plan that includes not falling into the ocean, Gerard.”
“What sort of fight are we heading into?” Jono asked as they walked back to where the Hellraisers waited.
“Zachary Meyers is a heavy hitter, and who the fuck knows who he has fighting with him. I don’t know about this Ferdiad god,” Patrick said.
“My foster brother will be a challenge. He always was,” Gerard said.
“We need more firepower than just you, me, and Desmond.”
Gerard glanced over his shoulder at them as he walked. “Who do you trust that can get here on such short notice? Because I’m not waiting any longer than I have to, Patrick. We can’t afford inaction.”
Patrick rocked to a halt, causing Jono to almost run into him. Jono grabbed him by the hips and urged him to keep walking.
Gerard sighed. “I remember that look. I already have a headache. Don’t make it worse.”
Patrick waved off Gerard’s words and pulled out his mobile. “Fuck you, I have great ideas.”
“Sometimes,” Jono drawled. “Sometimes they’re utterly terrible.”
Patrick scowled, letting Jono guide him forward as he tapped at his screen before putting the mobile to his ear. “Fuck you, too, Jono.”
“Later.”
Wade made a gagging sound that turned into a squawk as Sage elbowed him in the side.
“Who are you calling?” Gerard wanted to know.
Patrick’s smile was all teeth, and Jono wanted to kiss him. “Nadine.”
19
Special Agent Nadine Mulroney,of the Preternatural Intelligence Agency, drummed the fingers of one hand against the wooden table before leaning forward to smack Patrick upside the head.
“Ow,” Patrick exclaimed, glaring at her. “What was that for?”
