Page 54 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
Kelwyn raises a hand for quiet and everyone settles down.
“But I thought the fae had tight control over them. They’ve not been seen in our realm for hundreds of years,” someone I don’t know calls out.
Raedyn’s expression turns grim. “I’m afraid the evidence is irrefutable. And from the fae representative I managed to speak with, it appears that a portal between their realm and ours was opened that shouldn’t have been.”
Louder whispers follow this news.
“They’re still investigating on their end,” Raedyn continues, “but they aren’t quite sure who did this or how. Although the portal’s been closed since it was discovered, it was open long enough for quite a few… unknown things to cross over to this side.”
“What exactly are these Sluagh you mentioned?” I decide to ask
Raedyn stares at me for a long moment and then smiles. “You must be the Conduit. Welcome and thank you for being here in our time of need. We will undoubtedly need your power to help us against this threat.” He takes a deep breath and lets it out. “The Sluagh have a number of different legends about them. They’re a long-forgotten threat, usually found in the Western Hebrides, where portals used to open more often between this realm and that of the fae. From what the DarkWing clan history books indicate, they are dark spirits that try to attack the living. They’re malevolent and destructive in nature, and always hunt in packs. They can also fly like us. The Sluagh require the life force of the living to survive, but this time they appear to be heading straight toward a greater source of power.”
“Our ley line,” Elryk rumbles.
Raedyn nods. “Aye.”
“Is the power of a ley line similar to a life force?” I ask.
“Not all ley lines,” Raedyn explains, “but this one, most definitely. As the line that provides most of the magical energyin this realm and feeds other smaller ley lines all over the world, it possesses a unique wellspring of energy that is unparalleled. Some believe it is a direct line to the Goddess, although we cannot say for sure.” His expression turns steely. “All I know is that we cannae allow the Sluagh to have any of that magic for themselves. They’re dangerous enough already; we cannae allow them to become more powerful. All Guardians will need to be prepared to fight.” He looks at Elryk. “And we must strengthen the barrier before they get here.”
“How much time do we have?” Elryk asks, his expression deadly serious.
“A few days at most.” He turns to me. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to learn to use your powers fast, Conduit, if you’re to help us weather this onslaught.”
Elryk clasps my hand and squeezes it. I squeeze back.
“I understand. I’ll do everything I can to help Elryk and the rest of the clan.”
Raedyn nods and gives me an approving smile. “Some of our agents out west are monitoring the situation and doing their best to ensure the Sluagh stay as far away from human towns and cities as possible. Our only advantage right now is that they appear to be more interested in the ley line than in the human population, but that won’t last. If their power grows, they’ll move on to attack them eventually, and we cannae allow that.”
Kelwyn moves to his brother’s side. “I’m calling in reinforcements from all over the country to help us, but Guardians of the Line, we will need you most of all to protect our people and uphold our duty. Begin preparing for battle.”
At that moment, the Oracle glides into the room, her cane moving back and forth to guide her to Kelwyn’s side, where she stands and faces us.
“Fear not, my fellow clan members. Although the coming threat is deadly and powerful, we can defeat it. The Conduitis the key.” She turns her milky-white gaze straight in my direction, and I can’t help but shiver. “I have had another vision. Elryk DarkWing, you must take the Conduit to Loch Ness to help him tap into his abilities. There, our long-standing friend and ally will guide him.”
Elryk stands and bows. “It shall be done.”
Kelwyn begins organizing Guardians into different groups and assigning them preparation responsibilities while Elryk leads me out of the Great Hall.
“I know it’s getting late, but time is of the essence. Do you think you can handle a trip to Loch Ness?”
I steel my resolve. “Who needs sleep when the fate of the world is on the line? There’s no way I’m letting some evil creatures get the better of us.”
He grins. “It looks like I’ll be taking you for a visit to Loch Ness much sooner than I’d anticipated.”
I rub my hands together with glee. “Bring it on. I’msoready to meet Nessie.”
His lips twitch. “I am glad to hear that, because Nessie’s going to be your teacher this evening.”
Chapter twelve
Noah
Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading
Things are heating up lately, aren’t they, Sagittarius? Now that your love life is moving in a new direction, you’ll find your career path taking an unexpected turn as well. Change can be challenging but if you embrace it, you’ll reap the rewards. Watch out for water signs today—they can be tricky to handle!
