Nathan Poole is ready to become Sarah's Warden, but a long lost family heirloom changes his life and future.     Trial and Heiress Chapter 5 By Amethyst

Thanks as usual to Eof for a great universe to play in and to Eof, Maggie F and Donjo for their input.

Chapter 5

I stood frozen, my eyes darting around in panic as Ly Erg's hot breath bathed my ear and I could see Dandelion out of the corner of my eye as she fled for the Valley. It would seem we were on our own now, though I couldn't really see how someone her size would be useful against Ly Erg anyway. Sarah and Jason were watching, seemingly uncertain of what to do and I could see a bit of panic in their eyes. Jason began shifting back to his human form while Sarah still held my hand tightly. I gave Sarah's hand a squeeze and mouthed the word 'move' before letting go.

The silence seemed to drag on forever before the red handed murderer spoke again. “Come with me human girl I am...” He was cut off by his own grunt as I thrust an elbow into his solar plexus and dove forward into a roll which brought me up to my feet several feet away. Sarah had backed up at the same time and I turned beside her to face Ly Erg. He was already recovering from the blow. I had managed to catch him off guard but that wasn't likely to happen again. I needed to be smart here, keep him off guard and stall for time while I figured out what to do.

“Yeah, yeah you're Ly Erg, you're here here to invite me to dinner with Prince Sarric, blah blah blah.” I finished his previous sentence as I looked him over. He was wearing combat boots, camouflage fatigues, and had his light colored hair in buzz-cut which made his pointed ears very obvious. He now also wore a look of surprise, “Still going with the whole soldier motif after sixty years?” I kept talking, trying to keep him from reaching for the knife and pistol he wore. He probably had other weapons as well.

His eyes had widened a bit as I spoke, and I wasn't sure what surprised him more; that I caught him off guard, my appearance, or that I spoke like I knew him. It looked like they didn't really have any clue about what the Glove does, or at the very least didn't know about the clone aspect of it. I shook my head at him as I tried to use that lack of knowledge to my advantage, “I'm afraid I must decline Ly, I didn't accept your invitation back then and I'm not going to do it now.”

“I killed you, you were dead.” His eyes narrowed as if he thought he couldn't trust them.

I shrugged and made a show of displaying the Glove. “I got better. This is a pretty handy artifact, no pun intended.” I raised a Gloved finger to my pursed lips as if trying to remember something, “Let's see, I was picking mint that day when you found me. Then I refused your invitation and used a constriction spell on you. After that you chased me through the woods and I fell in a cave where you found me and broke my neck, that really hurt by the way. Ringing any bells here Ly?”

You can't be..”

I cut him off again, “I caught you off guard just now, not like last time when I kicked you in the shin. You see I've learned some things since I woke up.” I was really hoping he hadn't heard much of the conversation with Sarah before he made his presence known or given time to think he might put two and two together. I needed to keep him confused and not give him time to think. “I may not have used my magic much since waking up but I've been learning all sorts of other things. Still waiting for someone easily manipulated?” I taunted.

“It doesn't matter whether you're the same girl I killed or not,” he snarled as he started to step forward, “You will be coming with me. You will open the vault for us and once you've done that, you and your pretty friend will make excellent Sclabhai for Prince Sarric.”

I wasn't sure what Sclabhai meant but I was pretty sure that I didn't like the sounds of it. I could feel my magic burning inside me again but I had no idea how to use it and I didn't think telling him to go away was going to help this time. I held my Gloved hand in front of me as we slowly backed away from the advancing murderer. “Look pal, I've been trying to let you down easy, I'm not interested in going anywhere with you and neither are my friends so why don't you back off!” The Glove tingled on my hand and suddenly Ly Erg was thrown backward several feet. I stared for all of half a second before turning to Jason and Sarah who were both staring at me. “Umm guys, run!”

We took off running along the ridge that separated the Valley from the side of the island that the town is on. It was getting dark and running down a steep slope in the waning light was a good way to get us killed. We didn't have near enough of a head start and I was certain Ly Erg was right behind us. We had been running for several minutes when we all came to a sudden stop. Ahead of us were half a dozen grotesque creatures, and more were coming out of hiding from the trees lining the ridge.

The creatures were humanoid with lumpy greenish grey skin, hideous faces, yellow eyes, snout-like noses, fangs and they were armed with a variety of weapons. I turned to see Ly Erg behind us with two more of the creatures and I cursed. We were effectively surrounded and the way back down to the town was being cut off by the creatures coming out from the treeline. There were a dozen of the creatures in total and they were closing in quickly. Ly Erg watched smugly, “You can kill the Were, but the females I want alive.”

“Lucky me,” I heard Jason mutter.

“I don't suppose there's anyone else coming to help?” I asked as I positioned myself so that Jason and I were back to back.

“Not that we can count on,” Sarah answered. “Jason and I came up here to look because you were so out of it at school today and when you weren't at the shop after school we knew something was up. We told your family where we'd be looking but they may have trouble getting search parties out this early.”

“Just great, I can't believe I was so stupid,” I grumbled. “Sarah try and use whatever magic you can to help. Jason, we need to get try to get weapons from one of these things, preferably something that can keep some distance between them and us.”

Jason lowered his voice, “Can't you just do whatever you did to the army guy?”

I sighed, watching the goblins or whatever they were close in, as I returned his whisper. “I have no idea how I did that Jason, it's not something I can count on, I'm not even sure if it was a spell or not.”

Sarah whispered something, her hand glowing slightly, and one of our attackers seemed to trip over it's own feet before falling at mine. I delivered a good kick to it's head and stomped down on it's neck which made a sickening crunch. I reached down to take the curved sword it had been holding. “Thanks Sarah, just what I wanted.” I heard a similar sounding thud behind me, “You okay back there Jason?”

“Just fine Nat...” he paused as I felt him move behind me, “Cool, a mace I wonder if my dad will let me keep it?”

Jason and I were managing to them at a distance now that we were armed as Sarah helped by tripping them up, blinding them for a few seconds, and other small things like that. Still we were sorely outnumbered and beginning to tire. I heard a shot ring out behind me and felt Jason beginning to slump. I turned to see Ly Erg, who had apparently run out of patience was pointing his pistol in our direction and Jason was clutching his shoulder with a pained look on his face. Ly Erg smiled coldly, “If you want something done right it's best to do it yourself I guess. Get the girls while I finish off the...”

His words were cut off as several of the goblins shrieked as vines shot from the Valley wrapping around them and began to tear them apart. A veritable cloud of Pixies, Dandelion among them, followed in their wake brandishing swords as they set upon the remaining goblins. The vines began to wrap themselves around Ly Erg and he dropped his gun as he pulled his knife to try to slash away at the vines.

It was then that the most beautiful woman I had ever seen stepped out of the Valley. She had ash blonde hair that was elaborately braided, bright green eyes, full lips and pointed ears. She looked to be in her early twenties but I got the feeling she was far older than that. She wore armour that was very similar to the Glove on my right hand and carried a sword. To her right was a younger looking elven woman in leather armour with a bow and to her left was a large and handsome man covered from head to toe in plate mail, wearing a matching helm, and wielding a massive claymore. I couldn't see the man's ears but I was pretty sure from his looks that he too was a Sacred.

The three of us just stood there staring as the three approached. “Ly Erg,” the woman in the center spat his name out like a poison. “The child with my Glove is under my protection, as are her companions now. See that Sarric knows this. Anyone who goes after her or those she is with will be dealt with swiftly.”

The captive member of the Dunkelheit choked out as vines squeezed around his throat, “Prince Sarric will get into the vault, then he will kill you just as he did Oberon.”

Titania's eyes narrowed as she glowered at Ly Erg,“Sarric is a fool. Should he ever crawl out from whatever rock he's hiding under to try to face me I will see him paid back for Oberon, and for Sephrene.”

Sarah and I watched the exchange as we knelt by Jason, trying to make sure he was okay. Jason gave us a wink, “I'll be fine, Weres can heal up from a lot worse than this. Just give me a day or two and I'll be good. It's not like he was using silver bullets.”

“Okay Jason,” a responded with a weak smile as I gave his good shoulder a squeeze. “I'll hold you to that.”

Titania was apparently finished with Ly Erg as the vines began pulling him into the Valley as she turned and regarded us. She turned to the woman with the bow, “Giselle, see to the boy's wound.” She nodded and knelt beside Jason to examine his shoulder while her Queen turned to the man on her other side, “Count Hilliam if you could be so kind as to make sure we have no other unwelcome guests?”

He too nodded, answering in a deep baritone, “As you wish my Queen.”

The Pixies returned from dealing with the goblins and were immediately set to work patrolling the area from the air, though Dani and a blue haired Pixie were ordered to remain behind as Titania approached me. “Come child, we must speak.” I looked at Sarah uncertainly and the Sacred nodded, “Your intended may come as well.” We both stood and followed her with Sarah looking like she was nervous enough to explode.

It was a moment before any of us spoke, Sarah and I were too nervous and Titania seemed to be assessing us. Finally she broke the silence. “So you are the one who wears the promise. You are a bold child but you must temper that boldness with thinking.”

“You mean I should look before I leap?” I asked, a bit confused. “....ummm Your Majesty,” I quickly added.

“Yes,” she replied, seeming amused by my choice of words. “You could fall very hard if you do not look where you are placing your feet. Do not be afraid to take risks when needed, but do not take them needlessly.”

I sighed, “You sound like my mother and our school principal.” I looked at her curiously, “You called the Glove the promise?”

She nodded, causing her braids to sway from side to side, “Yes, I gave your family the power contained in the Glove in exchange for a promise.”

“I thought our ancestor did some sort of favour for you to get the Glove?” I asked, slightly confused.

Titania smiled at me, “In a sense she did. This favour as you call it, was her promise that her family line would be of service to mine in times of need. The Glove is the symbol of that promise that binds your family and mine. It is also the means of meeting the promise when needed.”

“So we're like your servants then?” the thought left bad taste in my mouth.

She actually laughed at that, “Of course not. We are merely allies of a sort, I suppose you could call us friends in a sense. How do you humans put it?”

Sarah giggled, “You scratch my back I scratch yours?”

The elven Queen smiled as she nodded, “That is it. We share a mutually beneficial relationship.”

I shrugged, “I guess I can understand that, but what do we both get out of it?”

Titania considered her answer a moment before replying. “I and mine get a powerful ally in your town, someone to bring aid if I am ever in need, someone I can trust to let me know of important goings on that may affect us, and someone who understands the human world.” She paused before continuing, “You on the other hand get the Glove's ability to amplify magic, what assistance you may need to live long enough to prove to be a useful ally to me and one other thing.”

“One other thing?” I repeated.

She nodded gravely, “Yes and this one thing grants you more power than the Glove itself ever could. The Glove represents our promise of mutual aid. Just as I may call on you when in need you may call on me and mine. Do not use this lightly. You alone have the right to call upon the Summer Court in times of dire need. If your people need aid and you call for us we will come. No other in the mortal realm but you may make that claim. You must make this very clear to your Coven.”

I barely kept myself from laughing, “Oh yeah they're just going to love that. Unstable teenage girl able to call in favours from the Queen of the Sacred.” I sighed as I looked at my right hand, “Your Majesty are you sure there isn't another better suited? I mean I wasn't even a girl before the Glove bonded to me. My mom knows all about the Glove and she's got a lot of experience with her magic.”

She shook her head sadly, “No child, you were the one meant for this. I sense dark times ahead for both our peoples. You need to train to face those times, gather allies and grow into a strong woman and leader for your town. You will represent your town, one will be chosen to represent the Summer Court, and a third will find the balance. Then together you will face the coming darkness. This has been foretold.

“Dammit,” I cursed as I tried not to look at Sarah. “Why will one be chosen to represent the Summer Court?” I wondered aloud, “I mean don't you do that?”

“I must lead my people and I can not be distracted from that overly much, nor can I be seen to be too embroiled in the affairs of the mortal world. Even this talk with you is more time than I should spend outside the Grove. I will choose someone as bound to the promise as you and I. She will need friends and allies when the time comes, for her path will be as hard as yours.” She spoke like she had already made up her mind.

I sighed as I stared at the Glove, “My friends and I will help her however we can. Is there anything else I should know?”

Titania looked back toward Jason who was being bandaged by Giselle, “Dark times are coming but I can not be sure when. Look for a Healer, if one is born on the island it will mean the dark clouds blow this way. If a Healer is born here it means that their abilities will be needed here within their lifetime.”

“How would we know if there's a Healer on the island?” Sarah asked, “Couldn't one have been born already that we don't know about?”

“It is possible, but Healers usually come into their powers much like Witches when they turn sixteen, very few ever have their powers remain latent for long. If they see someone injured their instincts to Heal will kick in,” she explained as we started to walk back toward Jason and Giselle who had been joined by Count Hilliam, “Most often the first use of their abilities will be uncontrolled, anyone nearby who is sensitive to magic would feel it.”

As we approached the three Count Hilliam was helping Jason to his feet and to arrange his cloak around the Were's waist to preserve his modesty. Titania called for the Pixies to return and then turned to face Sarah, Jason and I. “Forgive me for not making introductions earlier. I am Titania, Queen of the Summer Court, this is one of my cousins Count Hilliam, and my companion and protector Giselle, we are of the Aos Sidhe. Please do not think Giselle rude for not speaking, she is mute.”

She then gestured to a wispy green-haired Pixie who she introduced as Thymhelia, their Clan Leader, a violet-haired Pixie named Azrhea who was the Keeper of Names, and a Pixie with long blue hair. “This is Verbina,” the Queen said while looking directly at me. “She, along with Dandelion, will be your guardian. She doesn't speak much but she is a fierce protector.” There was no room left for argument, it sounded like a royal decree, in fact it probably was.

The blue haired Pixie smiled at me, “I am at your service.”

“I'm Natalie Poole, and in way over my head, and these are my friends Sarah Taylor and Jason McGreggor.” I muttered in answer.

Titania smiled at me, “You have a difficult path ahead Natalie but always remember a path is always harder and more perilous when walked alone. You have good friends to help you along your way. Lean on one another when you grow weary and face the perils together. They cannot take your place but they can help you to take it yourself.”

I looked down at my feet for long seconds before turning to Sarah and Jason, “Sorry guys. It was stupid of me to run off on my own. I promise that from now on when I run off to do something stupid I'll bring you with me. So ummm, who wants to come with to talk to my mom?”

“I am afraid that Count Hilliam and I must return to the Court, there are matters requiring our attention,” Titania said as she took my Gloved hand, and I felt the briefest tingle before she let go. “Giselle and your guardians will escort you home safely. Remember the promise Natalie.”

I nodded as I looked at the Glove, “Not much chance of me forgetting. It's always on hand.” With that said our farewells and went our separate ways, with Jason and I picking up the weapons we had earlier liberated from the goblins.

We moved carefully down the slope in the darkness with Giselle leading the way. Our pace was slow but the silent Sacred seemed to be able to see quite well in the dark and guided us along a safe path that seesawed back and forth as we descended. As soon as the ground began to level out our pace quickened, with the Aos Sidhe keeping a careful watch on the forest around us as Dandelion scouted ahead and Verbina watched our backs. Still it was slow going and those of us holding weapons kept them at the ready.

It was almost eleven o'clock by the time we reached the cabin. Through the windows we could see the steady light of a kerosine lantern and people moving around. As we approached the cabin Dani and Verbina joined us with news that there didn't seem to be any threats nearby. I took a deep breath as we stepped up to the door and lightly knocked. I could hear movement inside for the long seconds that followed and then the door was opened by my mom. “Ummm I guess I have some explaining to do?”

Her answer was to wrap me up in a tight hug and I dropped my sword to put my arms around her. I could hear her sniffling and felt her warm tears against my cheek as she held me tight enough that I thought my head might pop off. “You bet your ass you do young lady.” She stepped back and looked over our group: Me picking up a nasty looking curved sword; Jason with a mace in his hand, his shoulder bandaged and a cloak wrapped awkwardly around his waist; Sarah who looked very tired; Giselle the silent Aos Sidhe; and two Pixies. She shook her head and sighed, “Everyone come in and sit down and tell us the whole story, leave nothing out.”

We all entered the cabin where Dad, Rick, and Gwen were seated near the fireplace. Gwen's eyes lit up when she saw the Aos Sidhe and the two Pixies but for the moment she remained quiet. I quickly made the introductions and had to hold back a giggle at the looks on the faces of Rick and my dad as Dandelion and Verbina made themselves visible to the pair. Sarah did giggle. The weapons were placed by the door and Jason, Sarah and I all sat down wherever there was space which happened to be on the couch.

Once we were settled I began my story from when Sarah and I had our argument on the phone. The story took longer than it should have to tell as I was interrupted several times to clarify things. Dad and Rick seemed most interested in the fight with Ly Erg and his minions. Mom and Gwen on the other hand were especially interested in my talk with Queen Titania and the revelation of the promise and what that meant to both the Aos Sidhe Queen and myself. Once my story was finished Rick pulled out his cell phone and contacted Jason's and Sarah's parents to let them know that they, along with me, were safely at the cabin while the rest of us discussed the situation.

“We'll need to inform the Coven of this promise,” my mother began. “As well as your role with any future contact with the Sacred.”

Gwen nodded in agreement, “There's also the others she mentioned, one she said will be a Sacred, bound to the promise like herself. But who is this third person? The one who will 'find the balance'? The Coven needs to know all of this. We'd best hold off mentioning anything to the Unseen Council yet though. If the Sacred wish to make their presence known to the rest of the Unseen on the island, they will do so themselves or send a message through Natalie most likely.”

Giselle nodded vigorously at this, confirming that the Sacred wished to remain unseen for the time being. Verbina spoke up though to make it clear, “Until it is absolutely necessary to reveal ourselves to the Unseen on the island or Her Majesty sends word that it is to change we will remain hidden. Only those in this room and those on your Coven's Council should know of our presence and Natalie's importance.”

Rick chose that moment to return inside the cabin. “I let Jason's and Sarah's parents know they're here and safe. Dr. Dennis would like me to bring Jason to the clinic to have a look at his shoulder. He said Sarah can stay out here with the rest of you until morning, since I only have room for myself and one other on the quad.” He shook his head giving all us womenfolk a searching look, “I told Tanner that Jason had been wounded but I didn't elaborate. So how am I going to explain that his son got shot?”

We all looked to the Pixies and the Aos Sidhe. Giselle looked thoughtful a moment before nodding to Verbina who answered for her, “His parents and Sarah's can be told but it needs to be discussed privately and they must not speak of it with anyone else.”

My dad nodded, “We can get them out here and explain things before heading back into town. Rick see if you can get the McGreggors and the Taylors out here in the morning, tell them we could use some help retrieving your grandmother's remains and have some matters that are best spoken of privately. Maybe we could have a cookout once everything is finished with.”

“Great idea honey,” my mom replied with a smile, “It's been a while since we've all gotten together. Molly and Katherine have both been trying to get all our families together for a night of cards or something so we could make a day of it after everything is explained and we've gotten grandma properly buried.”

I sighed, “Sounds like a plan.” Actually it sounded like a very long and awkward day for me, but perhaps it was better to just get all of it over with. “Oh Rick. If we're going to be going to get grandma's remains, its pretty close to the Valley. Bring guns or whatever weapons you think best and let Jason's and Sarah's parents know that they should do the same. Somehow I don't think Ly Erg will give up easily.”

After that Rick and Jason took off on Rick's quad and Giselle left with a bow to return to the Valley. Mom, Dad and Gwen set up their sleeping bags between the door and the cabins bed and encouraged Sarah and I to lay down on the bed and get some sleep while they took turns keeping watch. I tried sleeping for a time curled up next to Sarah with my two guardians outside watching the woods from the roof of the cabin. Sleep would not come easily.

I slipped out of bed silently after removing Sarah's arm which was draped over me almost possessively. I sighed sadly at that thought as I padded across the floor past Gwen and my father, both fast asleep, and opened the cabin door. Mom turned immediately at the sound of the door opening. “Couldn't sleep?” she asked.

I shook my head, “No, there's something I needed to do first.” I sighed as I walked up and embraced my mother tightly. “Mom, I'm sorry. I was depressed and not handling things well but that is no excuse. What I did was unbelievably stupid. Not only did I not come and talk to you about how upset I was but I went and did something you had forbade me to do, when I knew damn well you only did it to protect me. My stupidity could have gotten not just myself but Sarah and Jason killed... or worse.” I shivered at the memory of Ly Erg saying that Sarah and I would make good Sclabhai.

Mom held me tight, running her fingers through my hair. “We all make mistakes sweetie, it's part of how we grow and learn. You've still got a lot to learn and there's a lot more riding on your shoulders than a girl your age should have to bear. When you need help or you need to talk or a shoulder to cry on come to me before you do something like that again. You're my baby, I'll always be here for you if you need me because I love you.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and held me at arms length, giving me a weak smile. “That being said, because I love you, once we get home you are grounded for a month. No going out other than for school and work at the shop unless I give permission ahead of time. Is that clear?”

I nodded having expected as much, “Yes Mom.”

“And,” she continued, “Tomorrow you will stay within sight at all times, no running off for any reason.” She kissed me on the forehead and pushed me back toward the door. “I love you, now go and get some sleep sweetie.”

“I love you too Mom, good night.” With that I slipped back inside and crept across the floor to curl up beside Sarah on the bed.

I was awoken the next morning with Sarah's arm and leg draped over me and Dandelion once again needing to be untangled from my hair. It was Verbina who woke me. “Your brother and Jason are almost here and there are four people with them.” She spoke once she was certain that I was indeed awake. “Your father is outside waiting for them.”

I nodded and tried to move but found myself hampered by Sarah. After helping Dani to work herself free of my hair I began to gently nudge Sarah, “Sarah, wake up sleepyhead, your parents should be here soon.”

“Huh?” was Sarah's reply as she looked at me sleepily.

I sighed. Seeing her waking up beside me like that was a painful reminder of just how much I still loved her. “Sarah, I said your parents should be here any minute now and you're kind of preventing me from getting out of bed,” I tried again.

Her eyes opened wide and she smiled at me. Then she seemed to realize the position she was in and quickly rolled off of me. “I'm so sorry Nat! I didn't mean to ahh... umm...”

I sat up and shook my head, “I didn't mind, I thought you were kind of cute sleeping like that.” I blushed as I quickly got off the bed, “Anyway I think everyone is arriving so we should go out and meet them.”

By the time we both got ourselves outside Jason and Rick had arrived with Jason's and Sarah's parents in tow. They had also brought some assorted muffins and bottles of juice which, having not eaten since breakfast the day before, I was very grateful for. So as we shared breakfast, after both families were sworn to silence, I told the Taylors and McGreggors the rather lengthy story of finding the Glove, my girlification, and the events of the previous night. Sarah's mother, Katherine, apparently already knew about my new gender status but she seemed very interested in the Glove and its connection to the Sacred.

After my story was finished all three sets of parents agreed that it would be better if none of us went into the woods alone for a while without suitable protection. None of us really liked that but after last night all grudgingly agreed with the need. Then Jason's and Sarah's moms wanted to know how I was adjusting to being a girl and Dr. Dennis said that I should probably come in to the clinic to make sure everything was alright with my new body. Sadly my mom agreed and they started talking about getting me in to see Dr. Brand for a physical. I was so grateful when my dad changed the topic to retrieving grandma's remains from the cave.

Dani and Verbina were sent ahead to scout for any possible dangers while the rest of us walked in a group, with the adults surrounding us teenagers. We all carried weapons except for Sarah who hadn't been trained in using one. Dad, Mr. McGreggor and Dr. Dennis all had high powered rifles; Rick had two large knives and a shotgun; Jason had his mace; and all the women, including me, all carried hand guns. I of course also had that wickedly curved sword I had gotten the night before.

The trip to the cave was made without incident and soon we were at the cave where all of this insanity had begun. It was a bit of an anticlimax as nothing at all happened. The men had carefully placed grandmother's remains in some canvas and brought it up to ground level while us women stood ready for any sort of attack. It's funny how I'd started thinking of it in those terms, them and us, and started grouping myself with the women. Was I adapting to my situation or merely giving in to the inevitable? Was there a difference?

These thoughts dominated my thinking as we made the trek back to the town. It wasn't until we were laying grandmother's corpse in a grave in the woods behind our house that I decided it didn't really matter. I am who I am and I need to play with the cards I've been dealt. I will do it on my terms. Some things about being a girl may really suck but a few things are a bit better, like my relationship with my mom. Maybe that's what living is all about building on the good things and sticking together with those we love to get through the bad.

After we buried great grandma properly and said a few words we headed back to our house to spend time as family and friends. Dad and Rick started up the grill in the back yard while everyone else chatted and Mom prepared a large salad. Why is it that guys that are absolutely horrible in a kitchen can be so fantastic with a barbeque? The meal was great and we all stayed up late catching up, playing cards and just relaxing in the company of good friends.

Ly Erg fumed. He had been so close. The girl was almost in his grasp and now he stood before Prince Sarric empty handed. “You have failed me Ly Erg, that is not like you.” Cold blue eyes focused on him from the impassive face of the prince of the Winter Court.

“I would have had the witchling if not for Titania's interference.” Ly Erg grumbled, “I will not fail you again my Lord.”

Sarric scowled, “See that you don't. Titania's interest in the witchling will make things more difficult, but this child who wields Titania's gift could very well be the Eochair. We have time, wait until they become lax in their protection of the child and then take her. I have some influence in the Summer Court. Maorg will tell you when the time is right. Soon the abomination born in the Summer Court will be dead and Titania's sights will be off the witchling. Then it will be time for you to strike.”

Ly Erg nodded, “Yes my Lord, and what shall I do until then?”

“Place spies in the mortals' town and inform me if anything else of interest appears. We must have an advantage before we move against Titania. We must acquire the Eochair or find something else to use against her.” The prince waved his hand in clear dismissal.

“It shall be done my Lord.” Ly Erg replied as he bowed and made his way quickly out of Sarric's presence to find Reshin.