Page 49 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“No,” she said. “After I’ve harnessed them to my chariot, you’d need to form an image of the people we’re to find.”

Lochlan scoffed. “Are you suggesting that my dogs can read my mind?”

Sigrid looked confused. “Of course. When you want them to.”

Lochlan stared straight ahead like he was trying to remember if he’d ever had a thought he wouldn’t want them to know about.

After a couple of minutes, I prompted, “Lochlan?”

He blinked a couple of times. “Oh. Yes. Well. I see no reason why not if I have your personal, solemn assurance they’ll be none the worse for wear.”

Sigrid grinned like she was off to the fox hunt. “Wonderful,” she said. “May I meet them?

“I’ll bring them over,” he said.

Lochlan stepped into his living room where Keir and Medusa were watching a game show. Keir was doing his best to explain why the people were so excitable.

“What’s up?” Keir asked. “Oh. Don’t tell me. She couldn’t stand not knowing what Loki did with those two miscreants.”

“How’d you know?”

Keir shrugged. “I’ve been with her for a year, but it’s never been quiet. Hills and valleys. I know her pretty well. How has she involved you?” Lochlan relayed the latest. Keir shook his head. “It’s so quiet here at your house.” Then he added, “Not that I’m complaining. There’s never a dull moment with Rita around and, for creatures who live as long as I do, that’s a gift.”

“To each his own. I like the quiet, myself.”

Medusa had been staring at the TV while Keir and Lochlan conversed in English. Suddenly, she pointed at the screen and asked. “τι ΕΙΝΑΙ ΑΥΤΟ?”

“It’s a machine that washes clothes,” Lochlan answered. “Well, off to fetch the hounds. I can’t wait to see what they look like harnessed to a chariot.”

Keir got to his feet. “I have to see this.” He told Medusa to sit right where she was, that he’d be back shortly, and did she need anything. The way she looked at the plate where biscuits had been said everything. “Lochlan. Do you more? She likes the ones with coconut.”

“Ivy?” Lochlan called.

Ivy flew in and changed to her larger form. “Good morning, Keir.”

“Morning, Ivy,” Keir said.

“Would you mind keeping an eye on Medusa for a bit? Keir and I need to attend to something. Shouldn’t take long.”

Ivy eyed Medusa. “What do I do if she tries to leave?”

“We’re just across the lane. Come and get us,” Keir said. “But so far, she’s been very docile. So long as the TV’s on, she’ll be fine. Well, that, and biscuits.”

“I guess she likes carbonated beverages?” Ivy was looking at the empties left on the coffee table.

“Yes,” Keir was a little embarrassed about the mess. “Thanks very much, Ivy.”

He and Lochlan practically fled.

“Keir!” I was surprised to see him. “Who’s watching Medusa?”

“Ivy. I couldn’t miss this.”

Angus and Aisling walked dutifully on either side of Lochlan, the most perfectly behaved dogs to be found anywhere.

After Sigrid gushed to the point of making even dogs blush, she made an arc in the air with her hand. Forthwith, everything beyond the boundaries of my yard was a blur.

“What’s next?” I whispered to Keir.

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