Page 41 of The Tides of March

“Aye, that might be yer best bet and how I’d go about it,” Ronan said and raised a brow at Merlin. “What are ye good fer? It’s not gonna drink any of yer potions or yer poisons,” he said, making the wee wizard hop and bristle.

“Is that the thanks I get for coming all this way? I’ll remind you, that of all the beings in this room,Iam the only one who could drop a kraken—or a merrow—with a potion.AndI can cast spells and help all manner of beings heal faster,” he added with a tilt of his nose.

“Maybe…” Ronan agreed. He pointed at the exquisite little creature by the fire, giggling as his face and ears were licked by four of Ronan’s largest dogs. “Why’d ye bring a changeling, though? Ye think a muse can charm it to death?”

This time, Merlin laughed and clicked his teeth at Ronan. “Underestimate our sweet Everly at your own peril.He’sthe one who put an end to Hugh Dùbhghlas’s undead monstrosity and unlike a kraken or a merrow, Everlycanpass between realms at will.”

“Did he?” Ronan was indeed impressed and eyed the beautiful waif with awe. “How’d he figure out how to do all of that? No offense, but he doesn’t seem like the brightest bulb in the box.”

Bryn crossed his arms over his chest, his shoulders swelling as he grew taller and loomed over the bed. “Offense taken, you ungrateful fuck. Ev’s been worried sick about you and he didn’t hesitate when he heard we were on our way here to help.”

“It’s okay!” Everly said from his spot by the fire. “I’m not very smart and I was surprised too when I found out I could do all that stuff,” he said and shrugged.

“Aww! Bless yer heart.” Ronan felt like an ogre. “I take it back, then. Ye can stay,” he said with a fond chuckle. “A truly smart man knows there’s always more to learn.” Ronan bowed his head at Bryn. “My apologies.”

“Accepted,” he said flatly and went to sit with Everly.

Tony groned as he rubbed a temple. “We’re going to have a talk about alienating our friends later too.”

“Don’ remember sayin’ I wanted friends,” Ronan muttered, then ducked when Tony pointed threateningly. “Sorry.”

A delighted gasp burst from Nox. “Well done, Tony! And you said you weren’t magick,” he said with a playful wink. “You cast a spell on Ronan and gave him manners.”

Ronan was about to mock him but the roar of the kraken stilled his tongue. He reached for Tony’s hand, afraid their hours together were numbered. “Get to the lighthouse with Bixby. It’s the safest place on the island fer the two of ye.”

“No thanks,” Bixby said. “I’ll stay and fight with my husband and my family.”

Tony’s hand tightened around Ronan’s. “I didn’t come all this way to hide in a lighthouse with a ghost.”

“Very well…” Ronan sighed heavily as he looked around. “Then ye best get ready. I figure ye’ve got about an hour before the blue bastard makes landfall.”

Seventeen

Tony was urged to stay behind with Ronan but had refused, arguing that a cottage wasn’t going to protect them. He’d rather go down fighting with the rest of the team so he followed Nox, Merlin, Everly, Fletcher, and the twins out and down to the beach. He had seen the kraken in countless dreams and visions but he was still in awe as an ancient, mythological horror crested the waves.

“That’s what Ronan’s been fighting?For months?” Fletcher verified and Merlin responded with a belligerent snort.

“I fear it was toying with him and biding its time as it grew stronger. But a valiant and deeply foolish endeavor on Ronan’s part.”

“We’re here now,” Nox replied as he pushed back the sleeves of his sweater and glanced at Arawn and Bryn. “Think you two can hold it while Ev and I hit it with everything we’ve got?”

Bryn grinned, nodding. “Never fought a kraken before but I’m willing to give it a shot.”

“I’m ready,” Arawn said and Tony held up the shotgun.

“I will be, once I figure out how to load this.”

“Let me” Fletcher said, then gestured for Tony to pass him the rifle and the box of shells. “You’ll put your eye out,” he toldTony with a wink as he quickly worked, then took a knee on the sand. He held the gun up and squinted down the barrel before pulling the trigger. Tony had covered his ears, expecting a loud bang but there was nothing except a dry click. “Where did you find this?” he asked and Tony pointed back, over his shoulder at the lighthouse.

“There was a musket too…”

Fletcher rose and shook his head. “We can throw these at it. But that’s about all they’re good for. They’re too rusted and dirty or the ammo’s bad.”

Nox rubbed his hands together and blew on them. “Okay, I’m going to try something but you all have to promise that Nelson doesn’t find out. Even if it works, becausehe’llkill me if this doesn’t,” he shouted at them. He shook out his right hand, then raised it over his head. “By the power of Thor and Grayskull!”

“Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” Bryn yelled back but they all ducked and shielded their eyes as a current of lightning streaked from the sky, striking Nox.

“Nox!” Tony moved to push him out of the way but was halted by Merlin.

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