Page 6 of Unveiled

He waved at Fraser and called out, “When everyone gets back, let them know to come in here so we can gather information. Seems like no one really knows what’s going on.”

Fraser nodded, and Connor turned back to Xiathen. “Is there anywhere we can get these people something to drink or eat? I’m sure a lot of them could use some sustenance.”

Xiathen nodded. “If the innkeeper is with him, she can organise something. The Dry Pig always has plenty to offer.”

Connor rolled his shoulders, trying to ease the tension in them as he waited for the townspeople to assemble.

Perhaps I’ll have more luck with the rest of them.

Chapter Three

Connor

Slowly, people trickled into what Connor called the library, whether books were in sight or not. Fraser came to stand next to him, and together they watched as the displaced folks of the village came together in quiet mumblings and wide-eyed disbelief. It seemed Xiathen was the unspoken leader, as people approached him with desperate stares and tearful gazes, as the Mystic did his best to comfort them.

Luciana stood silent, pale, and still. She smiled tremulously when Connor met her gaze. Max stood solidly beside her, and it seemed the woman had found a protector by the way the big man carried himself.

The Innkeeper, a slim woman of indeterminate age, or at least that’s who Connor supposed her to be from the apron she wore, and a couple of others appeared twenty minutes later, laden with trays of meat, cheese, bread, and some strange, fruity drink. The tired crowd helped themselves, and some sat on the floor.

The child Adrian had carried, a little girl around three years old, was gently lowered from his shoulders to the floor, and a man and a woman murmured their thanks to him. Adrian smiled at them, patting the woman’s shoulder.

Adrian saw him looking and winked cheekily. Connor ignored him and turned away. The whole village seemed to be in the room now, huddled together, their faces filled with confusion and, in some cases, utter despair.

It was time to get some answers. Connor clapped loudly, and everyone’s attention focused on him.

“Good morning to you all. I know this must be extremely scary, not knowing what’s going on, but I hope we can find some answers now that we’re all together. First, let me tell you where you are.” He took a breath. “Your village has landed in a valley called Briar’s Hollow, on land I own. We are in Argyll, in Scotland.

“Like you, I have no idea what happened to bring you here. What we can do now is figure out how to manage the situation and get you folks back home.”

A young man in the crowd scoffed loudly. He couldn’t have been more than fourteen. “Back where we belong? No, thank you. I wish to stay here. There’s nothing to go back to.” A murmur of assent swept through the room.

What the hell kind of place did they live in, that they were happy to stay somewhere they know absolutely nothing about?

He nodded. “Be that as it may, it’s still my responsibility to find out how you got here. Then we can decide what to do. Fair enough?”

The teenager nodded sullenly. Others in the room echoed the sentiment.

“Right then. I’d suggest we go around the room, with everyone telling their story of what happened before you arrived here. We don’t want everyone speaking at once. Anyone want to start?”

A show of hands shot into the air, and Connor sighed. It was going to be a long morning.

An hour and a half later, they were still no closer to discovering the events leading up to their predicament. Everyone said the exact same thing, even as the remaining residents trickled fearfully into the library.

They’d all been out and about and suddenly found themselves in this strange place. Some bore bruises and cuts from falling. Others nursed headaches where they had struck the ground. At almost six o’clock in the morning, Connor could see everyone was exhausted. He could do with some rest himself.

He waved his hands and called out to stop the buzz of conversation.

“Everyone, may I have your attention, please?” The room grew quieter. Connor smiled at them all tiredly. “It’s been a long, stressful time for you all, so may I suggest we all head home, catch up on some sleep, perhaps even get to know your surroundings? Then, in a couple of days, I’ll come visit and introduce you to my clan. There are twelve of us, and we live about twenty minutes from here. I think they’d enjoy meeting you and would be happy to help.”

They could get to know the other clan members living independently on Brannigan land soon enough. The castle folk would be more than enough to face right now.

Adrian walked over and nudged him with an elbow, a warning glint in his eye. “I too shall visit with my friend here, and then at a later point, bring my clan to meet you all. We don’t want to overwhelm you on your first week here, non?”

Connor rolled his eyes. “If anyone needs anything or has any concerns, let Xiathen or Luciana know and they can contact me directly. My people and I will do what we can to help.”

He wasn’t sure whether the Utharians were used to communicating by mobile phone or email. He hadn’t seen a single piece of technology during his time in the village.

Xiathen stepped forward and bowed graciously to Connor and Adrian. “We are glad to have you as friends.” His gaze drifted over the waiting crowd. “It is as our friend says. Come to us,” gesturing to himself and Luciana, “with your fears and we will try to help. Until then, go back to your homes, take stock of your surroundings, and hold your family and friends close. These are trying times indeed, but as always, we shall overcome.”