Rituals (Cainsville 5)

Ioan was dressed like a guy out on a modern-day foxhunt, in jeans and a jacket and boots. He swung off his horse as he motioned for the others to join Ricky.

"I'm glad you called," Ioan said.

"I need help," I said. "And I trust you a lot more than I trust the Tylwyth Teg right now."

"Whatever's happening, they would never all betray you. This is one or two fae acting alone."

I managed a smile. "You give them the benefit of the doubt, even knowing they'd never do the same for you."

"It's the right thing to do."

I chuckled. "They got the names wrong, you know. You guys are the fair folk. The Tylwyth Teg..."

"They are fae. Pure-blooded fae. With good examples and bad. The Cwn Annwn are no different. You've seen our bad side. My mistakes with Edgar Chandler and the sluagh. Our own capacity to turn out examples of evil, like the rogue who abused Lloergan."

I looked toward the hospital. "I have no idea what's going on here."

"I wish I could enlighten you, but I can only guess. Fortunately, we may be able to get answers to those questions." He nudged Brenin at his feet and then nodded up at a raven winging past. "Let's see what they can tell us."

Ioan turned to Ricky. "I'd like to take Liv with me. You'll go with the rest of the pack, splitting up to survey the terrain. Liv and I will ride closer and see what Brenin and Lludw"--the raven swooped, as if recognizing its name--"can tell us, while I keep Liv safe."

Gabriel cleared his throat. "As you have failed to include me in those plans, I assume it's implied that I travel with Olivia."

Ioan hesitated. Gabriel knew that wasn't what he had in mind, but he only stood there, his cool blue eyes leveled at the Cwn Annwn leader.

"I can't take two passengers," Ioan said. "I meant for you to stay with Ricky. You're right, though, I should consult you as well. I apologize."

"Accepted, but I am not certain I approve of any plan that sees Olivia separated from both Ricky and myself."

Ricky shifted, and I could tell he wanted to leap to Ioan's defense, but he kept quiet as Gabriel continued. "We're questioning the allegiance of several Tylwyth Teg elders. I agreed with Olivia about seeking your help, but I'm not convinced I want to also entrust you with her safety."

Ioan looked toward the buildings.

"Yes," Gabriel said. "There's a problem to be resolved there, and I'm stalling. But I'm stalling with valid concerns. What proof do I have that you aren't involved in this? Beyond simply, 'I'm Cwn Annwn; trust me.' "

Ioan gave a wry smile. "That's usually enough." He took a deep breath and then turned to the other Huntsme

n. "I'm giving my solemn oath not to harm Olivia in any way. If I break that oath, my life is forfeit. I will have harmed someone with fae blood, and the punishment for that is clear. Anyone who harms her tonight--in any way--is subject to your retribution. If that someone is me, so be it. You have your orders. Will you carry them out?"

A chorus of ayes and solemn nods. Then Ioan turned to Gabriel with that same wry smile. "It's not a perfect solution. You can still argue that they are my Huntsmen. But Ricky understands. I have given an order that must be obeyed regardless of their personal feelings on the matter. If I defended myself against Liv while she was possessed by a vision, they would still be bound to hunt and destroy me. We are executioners, not judge or jury."

"Quickly, then, please," Gabriel said. "I'd rather we weren't separated any longer than necessary."

--

I wasn't sold on the idea of splitting up. Wasn't sold on the point of it, either. How would I oversee Ioan's results if he was the one communicating with his canine and avian spies?

That was ultimately why I went: to see what Ioan was up to.

Ioan helped me onto the back of his horse, said a few last words to his men, and then we took off.

The first time I rode Ricky's motorcycle, I'd found what I'd been searching for in every roller coaster and sports car, a need I'd never been able to fill until then. Except even that had only been as near an approximation as I could manage. Now, on the back of that horse, I found what my blood had been seeking, what Ricky and his father sought, too, their own love for motorcycles arising from this hunger they couldn't otherwise satisfy, couldn't even identify.

Now I found that, as Ioan's steed ran so fast the scenery blurred, and all I could do was hold on, my eyes slitted, hair streaming back, laugh bubbling up each time the horse leapt over some obstacle I couldn't even see.

This was in my blood. And feeling it, for the first time, I understood that aspect of Matilda. Matilda of the Hunt. Matilda, who even in the human lore had been unable to give this up for her bridegroom.

Even after we stopped, and Ioan dismounted, I stayed astride, my hands against the horse's quivering back. With a sigh, I slid down.