Page 43 of A Legacy of the Light

A sense of calm washes over me for the first time since I left my rooms. This is what I do day in and day out. Research, analysis, and fact-finding. Granted, what I analyze is normally sensitive data that companies hire us to review, but I feel more in control knowing I might find answers to at least some of my questions. So I spend the next few hours with my head buried in the texts, learning everything I can about the Seelie.

I’m skim-reading the book Finneus and I had first collected on Seelie relics, when he approaches my desk on incredibly light feet. “Did you find everything you needed?” he asks.

I rub my eyes and place the book back on the pile, noticing the scroll he added to my collection. “Yes, mostly. Although it’s only prompting more questions. I’m not sure the library will be able to tell me how the Craobh has ended up in a human family, but at least I understand it a little more. The whole concept of magic is very confusing.”

Finneus chuckles. “Magic is very simple, but historians have a tendency to elaborate, complicate, and confuse things.”

“Huh, no shit,” I scoff, and Finneus’ smile deepens.

“Our magic is connected to the land, to nature, and protecting it is sacred to us.”

“Is that why the barrier protects this realm against technology from mine?” I hadn’t gotten to the texts on the barrier yet. I’ve been reading up on Seelie origins. They have been around a lot longer than humans. Some of us are actually descended from Seelie who have lived in the human world.

Most Seelie who wield magic can do basic things like summon objects from other locations, move them with a flick of their wrist, and use that power against someone in a fight if they were strong enough, like Reyne said she can do. The Aotrom, like Tavish, can bend the mist to their will. They can form weapons and shields with it. The strongest Seelie have the power of light. Very few throughout history have been able to control this power and even fewer have been open about their ability to wield it. This normally resulted in that Seelie being challenged for no good reason so others could prove themselves against them. It seemed archaic to me.

Some Seelie can wield in other ways, as with Finneus and his connection to the library. His family have been linked to the library since the palace was first built. I could see his whole family tree in this book, and contrary to what Tavish told me, this library is a lot older than Finneus.

“The barrier is the land protecting itself. The two worlds have always been separate. The magic of Elfayne has also kept us separate, it repels mortals away. It’s only in recent history that mortals have become so advanced that they pose a threat to us, but only if our existence becomes common knowledge. The magic decides what is good for our world. You will find some things are tweaked to suit us. Electricity, for example, isn’t produced here like it is at home for you.”

“How is it produced?”

“Water, wind, solar energy. All of the renewable energy you humans try to harness, but with our magic we’ve been able to make it far more successful. It’s a great improvement on candles. Much less mess.” He chuckles softly at his own joke.

I smile back at him, and consider everything I’ve read this afternoon.

“What time is it?” I ask him.

“It’s 7pm, dear,” Finneus replies.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I hadn’t realized it was so late. I hope I haven’t stopped you from going home?”

“Not at all. I only came over to tell you that I have finished for the evening and will be leaving shortly. You are welcome to stay if you wish.” His tone is warm.

“I don’t think my brain can take in anymore information today. I’ll come back tomorrow. Should I shelve these books?” I ask.

“Not if you plan to return, they can remain there.”

I smile again in thanks and stand, stretching my legs. I follow Finneus through the library and we exit into the hall. Finneus turns and faces the archway serving as the entrance. With a flick of his wrist the entire cavernous space goes dark, and a static energy emanates from the entryway. I press my palm to the opening to find an invisible wall stopping me going any further.

“Impressive,” I say, quirking a brow at him, and he smiles softly.

Finneus and I head toward the central chamber. There aren’t many staff about at this time and the courtiers that were here earlier today are nowhere to be seen.

“Can I escort you anywhere, Elsie?” Finneus offers, stopping by the round table in the center of the room.

“No, I know my way from here. Thank you for your help today, Finneus. I really appreciate it.”

He holds out his hand and I take it. “It’s been my pleasure. I shall see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

He releases me and goes down a hallway I haven’t explored yet.

I watch him retreat. He really does move quickly for a nine-hundred-year-old man. It shouldn’t be a surprise given the only thing actually old about him is his appearance and the number of years he’s lived. He’s fitter than me.

I turn and head toward the hall that will lead me back to my rooms and stop short.

Walking directly toward me, completely alone, is King Raghnall.