Page 34 of Rory

Tasgall stopped at the edge of a sluggish, polluted-looking stream that crossed the back of the inner bailey, and turned to offer her one of the spears.

“The patrollers saw some strange fish in the water,” he said. “They’re black with no eyes, fins or scales.”

“You don’t think they’re going to crawl out of there, do you?” Harper asked, tightening her grip on the spear’s shaft.

“Best to learn what they may do.” Tasgall watched the currents, and then quickly struck with his spear, impaling a long, wide oval of black that only vaguely resembled a fish. He used his boot to nudge it off the spear, and then crouched down to examine it.

Harper did the same, and noticed that her apricot glow had returned. “Can I touch it?”

When he nodded, she brushed one fingertip against the slick black surface, which instantly turned silver and brown, and sprouted eyes, scales and several fins, including one large one on the back with red and black stripes. Its belly wound from the spear shrank and then disappeared.

“’Tis a grayling,” the laird said, scooping it up and tossing it back into the water. He stood and watched the stream again, nodding as the water currents began to pick up speed. “Your touch, ’tis magical, Mistress Ensley.”

“Call me Harper.” She went to the very edge, and bent down to stick her hand in the cold water. The muddy color of the currents cleared, and two black fish-shaped blobs near her fingers transformed into silvery graylings. At the same time her apricot glow faded. “I think I’ve temporarily used up my mojo again, Laird.”

He nodded. “When you see that return, would you accompany me to the passage where Torra pulled you into the spell trap?”

She didn’t have to ask why he wanted her to. “I’d probably only repair the damage to the barrier thing, or destroy this place once and for all.”

“I would ask you to repair the barrier.” As she gaped at him he sighed. “I ken such goes against what my lady wife desires from you. ’Tis also dangerous for all to remain in this place much longer.”

“So why do you… You think Bodach is planning to come in,” she guessed.

“Aye, when the MacBren’s men march on Dun Talamh for the final time, we’ll be too distracted by defending our vassals and home to notice any other intruders,” he admitted. “Already the goblin’s sent terrible creatures to attack. The last time, he came in himself. I reckon what comes next shall end us all.”

“If the broken enchantment doesn’t do the job first.” Harper regarded him steadily. “You can’t tell Ava about this. She’ll kick up a fuss, or try to stop us.”

“You trust me, then?” Tasgall asked, sounding bemused.

“I’d do the same.” She scanned the back of the castle. “But once Bodach is inside the trap we need to find a way to force him to free us, or make sure he doesn’t do this to anyone else.” She nodded toward two senior men walking toward them. “Looks like you’ve got other work to do. Want to try the barrier fixing tomorrow?”

“Aye, my lady.” The laird bowed and went to meet the men.