Page 50 of Crown of Tides and Fury

Alwyn nodded. The tiniest dimple dug into the right side of his face. The man enjoyed hearing when someone else’s cooking was shit.

We took a short break to make some noise, to finish our dinner and clank our plates as we removed them from the table. Alwyn came back with a trolley covered in desserts. Banoffee Pie or chocolate puddings left over from lunch. Quiet stuff, thankfully.

Kitch started the second recording. “After we ate, the old man came back out, carrying a large book.”

“Please tell me that contains the instructions for sealing Orion back inside his hell.”

“We tricked him. Told him that the woman he wanted most was waiting for him. He went willingly. Then we contained him, using the powers of witch and Fae, and sealed him with the signing of The Covenant. The breaking of that contract broke the seal. Just as we were warned. But we were young and full of ourselves, sure we could prevent it if we simply kept watch over the seven.”

“And the king would protect only the eighth? Hardly an even bargain.”

“Aye. But he also had the Fae to contend with, which turned out to be a daunting task. I…didnae mind.”

“So containing him again will require the same? As ye used all the powers of the Muir clan to create the tunnel?”

“Aye. But ye’ll need the Fae as well. The Fae King will have to rally them all. Even now, his people believe he is a myth.”

“So, without the Fae King…”

“Impossible.”

We all shared a “we’re screwed” look. Some sat back in their seats, resigned. I was still hopeful for an answer about Hank.

“Ye believe he still lives? Even in…my time?”

Nice save, Wickham. He and the brothers had agreed it was unwise to tell the old man we suspected the Fae King was dead.

“Aye. He lives. Though if Ambition is loosed, he may be in hiding.”

“And if Ambition gets to him before I can?”

“Ye must hope he doesnae.”

“But if he does? If Ambition kills the king—”

“Then it is ye, Muir, who must rally the Fae. Just…be verra careful what ye sign.”

Eventually, the all-important subject of the Naming Powers was broached, and the fact that Wickham’s people, meaning us, might need help finding them without him.

“I will give them what help I can. I will leave this where they can find it…if ye’re removed from the fight.”Meaning the book Kitch told us about.

“Oh? And how will they ken where to look?”

“There is a library, in Oxford—”

“…Yer book would not be safe in any library.”

“…The Powers will change hands repeatedly before yer time. But I shall keep the names up to date…for as long as I am able.”

“That would mean ye would keep it close to ye?”

“Aye.”

“And when Muirsglen burns?”

“I will make allowances for that.”

“What can ye tell me about a cloch realta? …We wonder what purpose it serves.”

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