Page 80 of Treachery in the Highlands
I shake my head, my own magic stirring within me."I don't know.Ne'er have I felt anything like this."
The whirls around us, forming a vortex in the center of the room.Papers and small objects fly through the air, and I'm forced to squint against the force of it.Through the maelstrom, I catch glimpses of something forming---shapes, shadows, figures that flicker in and out of existence.
As the wind howls, I experience a familiar tingling in my fingertips---my magic responding to the otherworldly energy swirling around us.I reach out, grasping Joey's hand while also gripping Guarin's.Their warmth grounds me as I focus mydà-shealladh, trying to puncture the mantle of chaos that swirls everywhere around us.
"It's a portal," I gasp, my voice barely audible above the din."But like none I've ever seen before."
Joey grips my hand like a vise."Another time jump?"
Before I can utter one syllable in response, the vortex unexpectedly contracts, collapses into a shimmering disc of swirling green fog.Through the haze, I catch glimpses of a world both familiar and alien---mist-shrouded mountains, ancient standing stones, and figures moving in the shadows.I can't believe what I'm seeing.
"The Otherworld," I whisper, awe and trepidation mingling in my voice."We're looking into the realm of theDaoine Maithe."
Joey's eyes widen, but his New York skepticism kicks in, spurring him to become suspicious of the impossible sight before him."Daoine Maithe?As in Scottish fairies?You've got to be kidding me."
But there's no denying the otherworldly beauty and danger emanating from the portal.The air sizzles with ancient magic, far older and wilder than anything I've encountered before.
Great-Aunt Efrica rushes to my side."Rachel, we must close the portal.The veil between worlds is not meant to be pierced so carelessly."
I reach for my power, but before I can act, a figure emerges from the swirling green mist.Tall and ethereal, with skin like moonlight and eyes that shift colors like a kaleidoscope, the being steps into our world with preternatural grace.A lump forms in my throat as I recognize the unmistakable features of a member of the Daoine Maithe---the good folk.
"Children of the mortal realm, " the female fairy states, her melodious voice resonating with power."It seems the winds of change have blown open doors long sealed."
Joey tenses beside me, his hand inching toward his concealed weapon.Mortal steel would be useless against such a being.
"My lady," I manage to say, dipping into a curtsy and pulling Joey down into an awkward bow."We meant no disrespect by this...unexpected opening."
"Never mind that, child."The female steps closer, standing between me and Joey as she studies us with a slight smile on her lips."I am Àille, Banrigh of the Daoine Maithe."
I am awed by her presence, barely able to speak.This radiant creature is Banrigh---or Queen of the Good Folk.
"The Witches' Confrontation has caused a rift in the time stream," the queen tells us."You, Rachel and Joey, are the only ones who can fix it.But doing so requires you to go into the future---Joey's past---to find where the rift occurred."
"What will happen if we can't do that?"Joey asks.
"It's best if you do not know."The queen steps backward."Now, it is time for you embark on a journey through time.But take care not to leave any traces that might affect the future or the past."
"Wait," I say, feeling foolish for speaking so boldly to the Banrigh."What about the book?We searched for it but couldnae find it."
"All will become clear at the appropriate moment.Your minds are the only tools you shall need.Blessed be, my children."
"But I---"
The Banrigh waves her hand in a flourishing gesture---and vanishes.
"But she didnae send us---" My words are cut off as a vortex engulfs us, and we are hurled into the future.Bright light blinds me momentarily, then I turn to Joey."We are inside Dùndubhan, in the long gallery."
"How do you know that?This is the modern version."
"I know because I have been here before, in a way.I told you that mydà-shealladhshowed me visions of the past as well as the modern world."
"Oh, right.I almost forgot."
I pat his cheek."Dinnae fash.It has been a whirlwind since the day you fell out of the sky and into my arms."
"We need to be careful.I don't see many people in here right now, but another tour might arrive any second."
Joey scans the long gallery, surveying the modern furnishings, the artwork that now adorns the ancient walls of Dùndubhan---and the glass cases filled with medieval weapons."So, we're in the future?Or, I guess, my present?"
