The Faerie Ring
Page 27
“That someone bearing the mark was hidden in London.”
Suddenly every part of her was alert. Hidden. That’s what Larkin had said, too: That’s why Adasara hid you in London. Her breath caught in her throat at the implications. “Hidden from what?”
Rieker reached for her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. “He didn’t say, Teek.” His words were gentle, as if he knew what a shock the information must be. “Just that should I see someone who bore the mark, to know they were connected to the world of the fey.” He hesitated and rubbed her fingers with his thumb as if to soften the impact of his words. “He said we would be drawn to each other. And that I should be very careful.”
“Careful?” Tiki said. “Of me? What could I—”
Rieker shifted and slid an arm around the back of Tiki’s tense shoulders, pulling her closer. “What happened with you and Larkin? You were only gone for a few minutes, but I swear it felt like hours.”
Tiki lapsed into silence, seeing once again that meadow and the mounds, hearing the lilting music that pulled at her with an unnatural longing. “I was there.” Her voice was soft with wonder as she recounted the memory. “In the Otherworld.”
To her surprise, he nodded. “That’s what I thought happened.” He peered closer at her, clearly intrigued. “Do you know how you got there?”
The room was silent but for the crack and hiss of the fire. “It happened when Larkin pushed me backward. When she grabbed my wrist, it was as though she held a flame to my skin. The next thing I knew, we were in a meadow and it was twilight.”
“What did you see?” His voice was hushed.
Tiki described what she remembered of the meadow, the mounds, the huge stones. Of how Marcus appeared and how he had taunted Larkin. “He mentioned the claw.” Tiki closed her eyes, envisioning the dark faerie before her in the deepening shadows. “That thing they put on her wings. He knew those who hunted her were close, that they would clamp her if they caught her.” She shuddered, rubbing her face with her hands as though to erase the memory. “He made it clear that he wanted her captured.” She hesitated. “So he could have me.”
Rieker’s jaw clenched at her words, but then he shook his head. “Marcus is dead now. He won’t ever bother you again.”
“Larkin said something else. Before Marcus arrived.” Tiki hesitated, getting the courage up to speak the words burning on the tip of her tongue. “She said an fáinne sí was the birthmark of Finn MacLochlan. A high king of Tara.” She looked into Rieker’s eyes, seeking the truth. “Have you ever heard of him? Of such a place?”
Rieker reached forward and smoothed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. “I know there’s an ancient place in Ireland called the Hill of Tara. It has something to do with kings and faeries.” His voice softened. “But that’s all I know.”
Tiki clasped his hand, lacing her fingers through his, her eyes imploring. “But how will I know? How do I find out who I really am?”
“Tiki…” Rieker’s lips were so close, his breath caressed her face. “We’ll have to find the answers together. We’re bound by more than love, it would seem. Destiny seems to have plans for us as well.”
Chapter Forty
TIKI stood in the regal opulence of the Blue Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace as Queen Victoria addressed Rieker.
“It is after extensive private consultation with my family and others”—Queen Victoria’s words were measured, but she gave a significant look to Rieker—“along with my own personal contemplation of the matter, that as a reward for his participation, at great personal risk, in the safe return to the monarchy of a valuable and historic piece of jewelry, I am honored to bestow this ring upon the person of Lord William Becker Richmond. To wear and protect as long as he shall live.”
Rieker stood tall and proud next to the queen, every bit as regal as the English royalty in the room around him. Tiki’s heart swelled with pride and love as she watched him accept the honor. Though Victoria didn’t refer to their meetings, Tiki knew that Rieker had spent hours behind closed doors with the queen, explaining what he knew of the situation, including the things he had learned from Kieran as well as his own connection to the events through his heritage.
Queen Victoria looked solemnly at Rieker as she reached for his right hand and slid the ring of the truce onto his third finger. Her lips curved in a rare smile, and she nodded at him.
“Na síochána, aontaímid, Sir Richmond. For the sake of peace, we agree.”
* * *
TIKI admired the beautiful ornaments sparkling with a magical glow on the Christmas tree. She marveled at the beauty of the room around her. Tomorrow would be the first day of the new year. The first day of a new beginning. Dark wood paneling on the walls created a cozy atmosphere amid tall bookcases that lined the walls. A cheery fire blazed in the hearth in front of where she sat.
It still warmed her to think that Rieker had invited all of them, her whole “family,” to stay here in the town house with him as his guests. They were warm, safe, and clean, with plenty of food for the first time in years. Happiness such as she’d never known filled her until it was difficult to draw an even breath. She wouldn’t even think about the time when they would have to return to Charing Cross. She knew it was inevitable, but for now she was going to enjoy what they had.
Rieker sat in a chair across from her, a contented smile on his face. He looked more relaxed than she’d ever seen him.
“I need your help,” he said.
Tiki gazed inquiringly at him.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I think it’s something my parents would be very pleased with.” He chuckled. “Though I’m quite sure my brothers would get a good laugh at the idea. I’ve made a few inquiries and looked into the prospect. I’ve just now gotten the go-ahead to proceed.”
“What is it?”
“I’m going to start a free school for orphans. A place where they can come to learn to read and write. To learn their numbers. I’m going to name the school after my brothers.” He cleared his throat. “The Thomas James Ragged School.”
“Oh, Rieker.” Tiki clapped her hands together. “I think that’s a marvelous idea. There are so many children in need, and what a wonderful tribute to your family.”
“We can feed the children lunch,” Rieker continued. “Make sure they get at least one good meal a day.” His expression softened. “But I need help. I’m going to need teachers. I was hoping that you would consider teaching at the Thomas James School.”
Before Tiki could answer, he continued, “I’ll need Shamus to help build the desks and chairs, and maybe Fiona could mend the children’s clothes or help stitch some new clothes for those in need. You could tutor Fiona on the side. Toots and Clara could be our first students.” He gave her a hopeful look. “What do you think?”
For a second, Tiki was speechless. Tears rushed to her eyes, and she blinked fast to hold them back. They would all be employed. Toots and Clara could learn their letters. They would be able to afford a flat of their own. Her family could stay together and be clean and well fed. Just as they’d always planned.
“Yes,” she whispered, the tears spilling over her lashes. “A thousand times, yes.”
* * *
IT was several hours later, and Tiki’s eyes drifted around the room. Her heart was so full, she thought she might burst. Shamus was asleep in an overstuffed chair next to the fire, his open mouth emitting small snores with every contented breath. Fiona and Toots ran past her toward the stairs, giggling as they chased each other, playing yet another game of hide-and-seek. Clara was tucked into bed after having eaten a hearty meal and was fast asleep, clutching her tattered but clean Doggie. She hadn’t coughed in three days.
Tiki’s eyes fell on Rieker, who sat across from her by the Christmas tree, reading Oliver Twist.
“You know, Wills”—she smiled—“that book has a happy ending.”
Rieker looked up at her. His smoky eyes we
re clear and warm as he took in her lavender dress and long, dark curls. He returned her smile. “That’s the kind I like best.”
AUTHOR’S NOTE
The places in The Faerie Ring are real, and if you find yourself in London, you can visit Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park and walk by the Birdkeeper’s Cottage at the end of the lake. The Ring, dating from the 1600s, where Tiki goes to find Larkin, is still a favorite ride or walk within Hyde Park.
Charing Cross is an active station in the Underground, not far from Trafalgar Square. King’s Cross is the busiest tube station in all of London, though I wouldn’t recommend trying to pick any pockets.
Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Clara got help, is still helping children to this day and relies on charitable donations to survive. If you’d like more information, go here: http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/.
Finally, the World’s End pub is still open for business in Camden Town.
Thank you for reading The Faerie Ring, and should you see a shadow move out of the corner of your eye, pay attention—it may be more than what it seems.
KIKI HAMILTON
May 19, 2010
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My road to publication started with a dream that was shared with many people along the way. I’d like to offer heartfelt thanks to the following:
My brother, Dr. Thomas E. Martin (fondly known as Tommy), who has never wavered in his belief that I would become a published author. His belief fueled mine, and now look where we are!
Susan Chang, senior editor at Tor Books—not only for her willingness to take a chance on a debut author, but also for her love of Tiki, Rieker, and Clara and their story of the faerie ring. Our work together became a true collaboration, and the book you read today is much richer through her thoughtful comments and brilliant sense of story.
Seth Lerner, for creating the breathtaking and mesmerizing jacket for The Faerie Ring. I am so grateful.
Mark and Carly, not just for being my beta readers, but for their patience and understanding as my computer became a permanent fixture on my lap and they both learned to fall asleep to the click-click of the keys.
Also thanks to Doby and Gramps, Judy, Larry, and Emily for their endless encouragement.
To my überagent, Kate Schafer Testerman of kt literary, llc, for finding a home for Tiki.
I am also thankful to my many friends who have expressed interest in The Faerie Ring along the way, as well as the wonderful writers in my life with whom I share critiques, advice, opinions, laughter, tears, and sometimes secrets on this crazy journey to publication—without you guys I wouldn’t be here: Paula MacLaughlin, Nandini Bajpai, Uma Krishnaswami, Sarah Aronson, Annette Gulati, Ellen C. Oh, Carrie Harris, the members of Uma’s Alumni, WD2PR, the Enchanted Inkpot, the Elevensies, and the Class of 2k11. Finally, thank you to all my writing friends on the blueboards at VerlaKay.com who share, support, and celebrate the joy of being an author.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kiki Hamilton believes in faeries. And magic. Though she has a B.A. in business administration from Washington State University and has worked in a variety of management positions over the years, her first love is writing young adult stories of fantasy and adventure. Kiki lives near Seattle, Washington, where it only rains part of the time. She is a member of the Class of 2k11, the Elevensies, and the Enchanted Inkpot.
Visit Kiki’s website and blog at www.kikihamilton.com.
For more information about Tiki and the faerie ring, visit www.thefaeriering.com.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE FAERIE RING
Copyright © 2011 by Karen Hamilton
All rights reserved.
Map by Jon Lansberg
A Tor® Teen eBook
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
Tor® is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
ISBN 978-0-7653-2722-2
First Edition: October 2011
eISBN 978-1-4299-8530-7
First Tor Teen eBook Edition: September 2011
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
Key to Pronunciation and Meaning of Irish Words
Map
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Chapter Forty
Author’s Note
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright