Page 28 of The Gargoyle’s Glade (The Gargoyle Knights #3)
“It is known that throughout the ages, those of us with magic have been friends with the creatures of the earth. Much of that time, there was a Keeper, a special witch or stone kin—sometimes both at once—that was master or mistress of all the beasts. They were the ones to address quarrels and help ensure that the balance is kept.” Euphemia tipped her head to the side.
“As much as one can anyhow. Nature does much of that herself, after all.
“In the beginning, there was Helgarth, who accidentally bonded himself to a bear and became the first beast master of the stone kin. After him came Morghan, a witch, who cared for all creatures from a bog in the far south, near the gates.” Euphemia sped through several more generations, moving on when Ophelia tugged on her sleeve, giving a look that embodied the annoyance of an older sister.
When I snorted, Imogen turned and stared, eyebrow raised, the same tone conveyed perfectly.
“We’ve gone without such an incredible soul for a great many years, but the Fates have seen fit to bring us Merry. Let us all welcome her!” There was a cheer, and even the animals participated. “Merry, do you understand what is being asked of you?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Will you care for the creatures to the best of your ability? Address bond requests and manage disputes?”
“I will.”
“And you, creatures of the earth, do you accept Merry as your Keeper, and do you promise to respond to her call if necessary? To treat her with care, and kindness so she can be with you as long as possible?” The noise was immense as the animals responded.
“Wonderful. May the greetings and celebration begin!”
There was another cheer, and Ophelia steered Merry to a seat in the shade. Jacks came over and stood at her side, Calla’s cat sitting near her feet. Greta and Rylan’s birds remained in the tree, watching over it all.
“Pardon me,” Tap said, excusing himself and striding over to Merry’s side. He bowed to Ophelia, movements graceful and well-practiced. He said something to Merry that made her eyes go round, but she nodded enthusiastically and accepted a letter he pulled from his pocket.
“It’s a promotion,” Seir said with a broad smile. “He’s offering her the authority to approve the bonds on his behalf.”
“Can he do that?”
“Of course he can,” Vassago answered. “He always could, he just never trusted anyone enough to let go of control before.” His mouth curled into a smile. “He’s still the final say, mind, but there won’t be a reason for him to intervene or seal them individually unless there’s an issue.”
“It will be good for him.” Rylan’s smile was serene. “He was doing far too many things.”
Tap turned to the animals, explaining what was happening without opening his mouth. There was a gentle ripple through them, as though they’d given their permission for the transfer of power. He bowed again and stepped back, standing behind her chair but still present.
The animals approached Merry in families or pairs, each performing what stood for their kind as a polite nod or bow.
Many brought another gift, like the ones they’d left on her porch.
She smiled each and every time, looking them all in the eyes as she spoke to them.
Despite her positive expression, worry set it’s claws in deep that she was going to wear out long before she’d gotten through all the creatures.
The audience began to break down and move toward the tables of food and drink. Chatter grew and focus dwindled as the celebration began for everyone except the person it was for.
She smiled at me as I approached, the animals allowing me plenty of space. “Do you need anything?”
“I’m okay.” She met my eye. “I’m fine, I promise.”
I glanced at my elder and the demon, and they both just gave a tilt of their heads.
I saw it then, the way both Ophelia and Tap had a hand on Merry.
I nodded back, understanding. They were channeling what strength they could to her, balancing the effect the creatures had on her with their own abilities.
Satisfied, at least for the moment, I went to fill her a plate.
It took several hours for Merry to meet all the creatures, but she’d done it without incident and with grace.
Most departed not long after performing the rite, which left me both relieved and worried about what all she might have agreed to during that time.
Tap had scribbled some notes as well, so I was certain she had quite a job ahead of her.
I’d swept her off to eat and drink as soon as possible, relieved to have her back in my care. She was quiet and watchful but felt like herself.
The party proceeded enthusiastically the whole time, my kin laughing and dancing, eating and drinking. The noise was starting to wear on my nerves, but I did enjoy seeing everyone have such a good time.
It was growing late, but I knew things would continue until at least the wee hours if not straight through to the next day when cleanup started.
Ophelia and Euphemia were cloistered away at a little table by themselves, catching up on several decades’ worth of gossip.
The demons had strong-armed Tap into sitting down to eat, but he’d refused to stay longer than it took him to finish his food and a single drink.
The d’Arcan residents had departed not long after he returned to the crossroads, though Seir was clearly in his element and thankfully could stumble home whenever he chose.
Merry and I ended up on the ground up against some of the stones near the pools, close enough to feel like we were part of the goings-on but far enough that we weren’t in the middle of things.
The longer the night stretched on, the more she started to sag into herself, tightness at the edges of her eyes.
“You don’t have to stay, you know. Stone kin are known to continue celebrating through the night and into the next day.” I watched the panic take hold, her eyes wide and breathing quicker.
“That long?.”
“Come on.” I stood and reached out a hand, pulling her to her feet.
Several people bowed or clapped as we passed through, but nobody asked us to stay. The further we got from the revelry, the stiffer her steps became.
“Merry?” I couldn’t help the worry that laced my tone.
“I’m just tired.”
I let my wings out and opened my arms. Despite the flare of discomfort from the bond, I couldn’t help the wave of pride and pleasure that washed over me when she came straight into my embrace and threw her arms around my neck.
“Take me home, please?” Nothing had ever sounded sweeter or made my blood pound as hard in my throat as those words.
I scooped her up against me and pumped my wings, chasing up plumes of dust. “As you wish, Firebird. Whatever you need.”