Chapter Eleven

Exploring the Irish Countryside Brings Shivers at the Castles

Gavin walked up the stairs to his house, shoved open the door, kicked off his boots, and shed the rest of his clothing. Stepping out onto the porch, his form shimmered and transformed to gryphon. With two beats of his wings, he was airborne and free. Gliding through the inky darkness with only a few stars trying to peek out from behind the clouds, he left his earthbound problems behind.

Soaring over the tree tops, he banked out over the ocean. After a while he landed on Hy-Brasil, one of the Phantom Islands claimed to be south west of Ireland. In the mortal world, these islands have appeared on maps and been considered to be real places, only to disappear from maps later when others were unable to verify their existence. This island was his secret place of reflection.

The islands have been seen or even visited by seafarers. Discovery of the islands is precipitated by a sudden dense fog descending upon their ship. When the fog clears a rocky shore appears only to later vanish without a trace. Still others claim catastrophic events like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or underwater landslides are to blame for the disappearance.

Steeped in mystery, legends born of curiosity and wonder claim the Phantom Islands are supposedly a mystical land inhabited by mythical creatures. He snorted through his beak, ruffled his feathers, and stretched his wings out. If the mortals only knew how close to the truth the legends were.

Pushing off with hind feet, he felt the wind beneath his wings. The magic from the island carried him into the night, over the sea, and back home in the blink of an eye. Touching down a few paces from his home, he transformed to a human and sauntered inside not ready to resume life as he knew it. Not yet.

He showered, pulled on sweats, and stretched out on his empty king-sized bed. After his long flight, a peaceful sleep came quickly until Synn’s nightmare invaded his dream world. Gut wrenching terror tore through him until he was able to disengage himself from the nightmare. There’d be no phone call this time. For a moment he considered shifting, but he might need a vehicle after arriving at her home. He yanked off his sweats and pulled on jeans, a sweater, donned a coat, and grabbed his keys.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor. Storm curled in her lap. The usually active pup was lying still just peering up at her. When Gavin approached, Storm moved one ear forward and turned her head to look at him. “It’ll be okay, girl.” He knelt in front of Synn, brushed the hair away from her face. A vacant stare met his gaze into her eyes like she was in a trance. This couldn’t be good.

He’d seen her nightmare. Something was trying to control her. He wouldn’t let it happen. Releasing a breath, he took hold of her shoulders. She’d been like this once before. When she came out of it anyone within arm’s reach could be in danger. Though her magic was tempered these days, it wouldn’t be for long… Changing strategy, he repositioned himself behind her, caught her up in a bear hug, and pushed the pup out of her lap. Storm yelped and went grudgingly but refused to leave her side.

“Synn, it’s me Gavin; you’re safe.” He gave her a little shake. Arms and legs began flailing. She let out a blood curdling scream and kept screaming until he thought the neighbors a few miles away would hear and call the police. He held her tightly, sat down on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “Synn. Synn. You’re all right. We’re at the cottage.” The screams turned to sobs. She leaned her head back and blinked.

Panic seized her. “Gavin, you’ve got to get out of here. He’s coming for me and will kill everyone associated with me, including Storm.” She reached for the pup cuddling her close to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I knew this would never work. I don’t deserve a normal life.”

“That’s enough. It was a nightmare. That’s all.”

She turned her large aqua eyes on him and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

He couldn’t lie to her. “Okay…but you’re not going to fight this alone. We won’t let him win. You have magic to ward him off—use it.”

She sadly shook her head. “Bruce limited my powers. I’m not strong enough.” She tried to get up. He refused to let her go.

“You’re strong enough to force him to try to use the dream world to get to you. During your waking hours, you’re keeping him away. If Erin saw this coming, she must have told you more. What exactly did she say?”

She stared at the floor then slowly brought her gaze up to meet his. “She said I should talk to Gale. She’s a relative of Erin’s. Also the injury to my leg is not only physical, but when Baltizar threw that fireball of magic at me—he transferred some of his magic to me. But she doesn’t think he is aware. Erin claims that Gale could heal me and help me learn to control the dark magic.”

“Let’s go see Gale.” He paused a couple of beats running his fingers through his hair. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“You were—uh—we were otherwise occupied.”

Gavin swore. “No more sexual games or teasing until we get a handle on this.” Helping her to her feet, he paused to make sure she was steady, then he paced. Thinking was easier if he was on his feet.

“Agreed.”

“Get…better get dressed. I’ll fix a quick breakfast, and we’ll be on our way. We’ll stop by Gale’s place before taking a drive. Don’t want you staying here alone any more. Gather the things you need for a few days. You’ll be staying at my home.”

At her frosty gaze. He paused. “Or I’m moving in here. Your choice.”

“We might be a bit cramped.” She conceded and walked to the closet, pulled out jeans, a shirt and sweater, then carried them into the bathroom leaving the door ajar.

He fried bacon and eggs, put four slices of bread in the toaster, and buttered them when they popped. Put a slice of cheese on two pieces of toast, layered bacon and egg before placing the other pieces of toast on the sandwich. Storm circled his feet. He dropped a piece of egg on the floor before filling her food bowl and getting fresh water. Opening cupboard doors, he found a small basket to put the egg sandwiches in, added bottles of water, and poured a couple glasses of orange juice. Not bad for breakfast on the run.

Storm finished eating and slurped water. When she was through, he snapped the leash on her while waiting for Synn to get dressed and packed. He carried the pup’s crate, dishes, food, and bag of toys out to the truck nearly tripping over the exuberant pup twice as she wound in and out between his feet. Opening the truck door, he strapped the crate in the back seat and was putting the pup inside when he heard her footsteps on the porch.

She carried a couple duffel bags out the door, paused, dropped bags on the porch, and locked the door. Picking up the duffels, she slung them over her shoulder and strode down the path toward him. “This is only temporary.”

“Of course.” Gavin held her door open and offered to help her climb in. She clambered into the truck without his help glancing at the basket setting in the middle of the front seat. She sniffed. “Is that for us?”

He picked up a glass of orange juice from the floorboard where he’s set them and handed one to her. “Yep. Figured we’d better put food in our bellies before doing any exploring. Ma packed a picnic lunch for us last night. It’s still at the house. But cold chicken didn’t sound good for breakfast. I’ll pick up lunch when I drop off your bags and Storm’s stuff before we drive over to Gale’s.”

They ate in silence as Gavin started the truck and Storm whined in her crate.

A few minutes later, he pulled up in front of his house, dropped off the bags and pup supplies, then returned with another basket. When they stopped in front of Pixie Magic, the closed sign hung on the window, and there was a note taped to the inside of the glass door.

She got out and walked up to the door. Peering in through the windows, she returned to the door and read the note loud enough for him to hear. “Closed for the day, will be back tomorrow.” Synn trudged back to the truck. “She’s taken the day off.”

“So I heard. It’s a gorgeous cool summer day. How about we continue on as planned. Staying around home and worrying about things won’t change the situation. I left a cryptic message for Bruce while you were reading the note at Gale’s place. I imagine he’ll call as soon as he gets a chance.”

She looked at the blue sky where a few puffy white clouds floated, then faded away. “We can’t leave Storm in the truck all day.”

“No. But we discussed taking a break and going back to the truck to let her out then return to continue our exploration of the castle. I’ll leave all the windows cracked a bit creating airflow.”

She brightened. “Okay, I’ve always wanted to explore the castles around here. So much history and legends.”

“Yeah and we might see a ghost or two,” he teased.

The color drained out of her face. “I don’t think—”

“Only kidding. It’s been years since I’ve seen a ghost. Besides they only come out for tourists.” He nudged Synn in the ribs and grinned. “Except the Blarney Castle where we are headed today. A pretty lass such as yourself could bring out many a wayward ghost. Lots of battles have been fought here.” He paused for effect. “Much blood of brave young men spilled.”

“So you say. You silver tongued devil. How many times have you kissed the Blarney Stone?”

“I’ve no idea what you are talking about.” He glanced over at his passenger.

“I believe legend of the Blarney Stone is that anyone who kisses it will receive the gift of fair speech and skillful flattery. I’ve seen you at your best in the pub storytelling, teasing the young women, and goading the men.”

“Darlin’, that’s the life of a publican, and yes, I am well suited to it—runs in the family. Shaughnessys have made a living that way for generations. What do you expect? Brandy, now she’s our Seanachi. Best storyteller in all of Ireland.”

“Really,” Synn said her voice cool. “I wouldn’t know. All I’ve experienced from her is… Never mind.”

“We’ll have a story night when she returns. You’ll see,” Gavin said cheerfully. “Where would you like to start our tour? Drombeg Stone Circle better known as The Druid’s Altar or Kealkil Stone Circle in West Cork. We’ll end the tour at Blarney Castle.”

Quiet for a moment, Synn shivered. “I’d rather pass on the Drombeg altogether. Don’t wish to become someone’s offering.”

“Okay. Kealkil Stone Circle it is.”

“Ummm… I don’t want to tempt fate. The magic is restless. I don’t need a bunch of ancient druids appearing and stirring up trouble. I’d rather go straight to Blarney Castle.”

“Your wish is my command. But there are tales of druids there too.” He turned the truck onto the road toward Blarney Castle.

“Yes, but somehow the tales of the witch of Blarney Castle seem more benevolent.” She shrugged and shifted in her seat watching the scenery pass by appearing to be deep in thought.

Turning onto the highway, he wondered how much of a toll this morning’s events had taken on her. Would she go back in her shell, after making so much progress and new friends? She was good with the customers at the pub and seemed to enjoy the work.

He shoved the unpleasant memories to the back of his mind and snorted. “What tales of the Blarney witch have you been reading? If we’d left a little earlier, we may have been in time to see the dying embers of her fire in Witch’s Kitchen.”

She flipped around to face him. “She doesn’t still exist there?”

“Depends who you talk to.” A mischievous smile curved the corners of his lips. “Some say to this day she takes firewood from the estates for her kitchen. In return she must grant visitor’s wishes made on the Wishing Steps.”

Synn snickered. “Sure she does. One of your far-fetched tales, I’ll wager.”

“I wouldn’t wager unless you are willing to lose. By the way, what might you be wagering?” He glanced out the corner of his eye at her for a beat, then his gaze returned to the road. The sign for Killinagh whizzed by on the left. “Would you like to stop in Castleview or Midleton on our way through? Too late for Killinagh.”

“Not this trip. I’d rather take a look at the Blarney Village and spend most of the time at the castle.”

After a couple beats he said, “Probably a good idea, there is a lot of grounds to cover as well as the castle. You gonna kiss the Blarney Stone?”

“Absolutely not,” she huffed, straightening in the seat.

He chuckled. “Why not? Then you might be able to compete with my persuasive eloquence of speech.”

She threw her head back and roared with laughter. “Think mighty highly of yourself.”

“Just rephrasing what you accused me of earlier.”

She slapped his shoulder. “Don’t believe everything you hear. Boyo.”

Feigning innocence, he tried to keep a straight face, but in the end, a broad smile curved his lips. “What was that for?”

“You know.”

After about an hour, he turned the truck onto The Groves to The Square in Blarney. “Did you know that Blarney Village is actually one of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland? An eighteenth-century landlord built the village so the castle workers had somewhere to live.”

“That was awfully nice of him.”

“It was. Old witch probably put a spell on him,” he teased while driving through the streets of Blarney Village. Pulling in front of an eatery, he cut the engine.

At her quizzical look and glance at the picnic basket he said, “We’ll have the chicken Ma fixed for us after the tour. But we need sustenance for trekking over the castle and grounds. Want to do a bit of shopping while I run into the café and get a snack for us?”

“Not this time. I’ll wait here for you. It seems the Blarney Witch was more inclined to cast a spell on the Blarney Stone in thanks for a king who saved her life.”

“So the story goes. You’ve been studying up on the Blarney Castle.”

“I’ve wanted to visit this place since I arrived.” She reached behind the seat and tickled Storm through the opening in her crate, then rolled the window down, and sniffed. Gavin sprinted into the café. A few minutes later, he came out with a wide smile and a bag. He climbed into the truck.

“The fresh bread aroma wafting from the café when you opened the door was mouthwatering.”

“Oh, I know.” He drew a round of brown bread out of the bag and handed her a slice. I had the waitress slice and butter it for us. Figured we’d eat it right here. Best when it’s warm, right out of the oven.”

She tore off a small piece of her slice and fed it to Storm.

After they ate their fill of bread and drank from the bottles of water, Gavin pointed out the window. “The castle is hidden behind those woodlands, only a few hundred yards from here.”