Page 50 of A Legacy of the Light

“How . . .” he starts to question.

“I don’t know. He gifted it to me for my birthday a few days ago. I assume that somewhere in my family history we have come across Seelie who have given us permission to wear it. For safe keeping, maybe?”

Finneus pulls his eyes from the pendant and studies my face. If I hadn’t been staring back at him just as intently, I wouldn’t have noticed his eyes widen even further before he quickly schools his face into a neutral expression.

“That would be a possibility.” His eyes flick between mine, then over the rest of my face as if he’s trying to work out a puzzle.

Realizing he’s staring, he quickly smiles. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you anything more on the Dorche. Let me know if you have any more questions.” Finneus’s quick change of topic and polite dismissal doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Thanks anyway, and thank you for the coffee, too.” I remember the lovely fresh brew that had been waiting for me when I arrived. “I’ll be with Reyne this afternoon. Can I leave my books out again?”

“Of course, dear. I’ll make sure they remain untouched. Will I be seeing you tomorrow?” he asks.

“Yes, I’ll be back in the morning,” I confirm.

He nods at me and looks off the far left of the library, as if he’s remembered something he needs to do.

“I’ll see you then,” I mumble, not wanting to distract him. I turn and leave the library, feeling Finneus watch my retreating back the entire time.

Chapter 14

After heading to my room to change into something more suitable to train in than the thick pants and shirt I’d selected this morning, I find workout gear waiting for me on the kitchen countertop. The clothes resemble items I have at home that sit in the back of my closet, untouched and waiting for me to participate in some form of physical activity. There’s a pair of boots as well.

On my way into the bedroom, I take an apple from the fruit bowl that’s now in my room. I slip off the shirt, and the thunk of the Craobh on my chest makes me pause. Wearing it while training doesn’t seem like a good idea, but I don’t want to leave it behind in case someone tries to take it. I consider where I can hide it. I check the drawers first, but soon change my mind. It feels too obvious a hiding place.

I open the wardrobe, and contemplate leaving it in the pocket of one of the jackets hung there. Deciding against that, too, I go into the bathroom. There are cupboards underneath the Jack and Jill sinks. Inside, there are number of closed baskets, one of which contains feminine hygiene products.

Well, that answers that question.

It doesn’t feel right to put an object of great magical power in the bottom of a basket full of tampons, but I won’t risk it being stolen. And if a man comes rooting through here, they will probably be immediately repulsed by the contents and not look any further. Rolling my eyes at the simplicity of the opposite gender, I take off the pendant, bury it underneath the tampons and put the basket back where I found it, making sure that it’s stacked underneath others. That’s as good a place as any, I suppose.

Remembering I’m the only one who can wear it brings me some comfort. Should someone take it, they will be dead before they can step out of this room.

I change into black leggings, a black sports bra, and a short-sleeved black T-shirt all made of soft cotton. I twist my hair into a bun on the top of my head and take the black hoodie Reyne left me on my way out.

Finding my way around the palace is getting easier. I only hesitate at one turn, and thankfully make the correct call to take me to the kitchens.

I have a huge smile on my face as I walk into the courtyard, proud I didn’t need to ask for any directions. I must look a bit creepy, since a few Seelie give me a second glance. Some smile back out of politeness, but others are definitely giving me strange looks.

As I approach the courtyard, I hear the clang of metal on metal, and the huffing of breath as the guards go through their exercises.

Beyond the stone archways, thetraining space is open to the elements. It’s cold now, but I suspect I won’t feel it for long, and the cloud of the gray November afternoon provides a climate I will appreciate.

The far wall, backed against the mountain face, is covered in weapons ranging from wooden training swords at one end, to massive maces, bows, and arrows at the other end. And the biggest sword I have ever seen. It’s at least three-quarters the length of me, and looks heavy. You’d need some serious strength to swing that.

The area consists of a series of training rings, bricks in the pale sand separating each circular sparring space.

I spot Reyne in a training ring at the far end close to the weapon-lined wall. She’s noticeable by her hair, but she’s moving so fast it’s a struggle to see her movements. Whoever she’s sparring with takes a pause and I have to pick my jaw up off the floor when I see her stood in the middle of five guards, and barely breaking a sweat while they brace their hands on their knees.

“Fucking hell, Reyne, I forget how lethal you are,” the guard nearest to her huffs out in a thick Scottish accent.

“You’re all soft wee shites. I need some new challenges around here!” she teases them while swinging her sword round. This person is very different to the Reyne I have come to know so far. The woman I met a couple of days ago is soft and delicate. The Reyne stood in that ring is fearless and confident.

Reyne has changed since I last saw her, now dressed in black workout gear like me but with light leather armor over the top of her clothes, covering her chest and shoulders.

She spots me and waves me over. “Elsie, over here!”

The guards in the ring with her clear out, all of them out of breath and sweating after their spar with Reyne.