by Gavin Green
*
Kate was finishing a cup of coffee when she heard some muted activity, and then thought she saw something pass by the window. First she noticed the dogs perk up and began to growl as they hurried to the living room. Then she caught a glimpse of Brody as he passed by just outside, and wondered what was happening. She went to the front door and opened it, but stayed in the doorway to block the dogs from running out into the rain.
Kate froze as she saw a few things, nearly all at once. A disheveled Lorcan stumbled into sight and then literally disappeared. A huge bird soared in fast from the south, the direction the cottage faced, and landed on the near stack-stone wall. Brody came from around the cottage, furious. Her startled attention was brought back to the bird, who transformed into a man, of sorts, in front of her eyes.
