Katie popped back around to the other side of the stump, hoping the Erl-King hadn’t noticed her. Dan had crawled out of the hole and was trying to pull Tom through, but the old harper was a lot thicker through the middle than Dan, and the harp wasn’t helping matters.
“Push the harp through first, Tom,” Katie insisted.
He nodded, backing down enough to poke the harp out. Katie set it aside as Tom pushed himself up through the hole, only to pause. “‘Tis a bit tight,” he said with a groan.
Katie rolled her eyes. She seized Tom by one arm, and Dan grabbed the other, and between them, they managed to jerk Tom out of the hole. But his sudden departure from that depth, bowled both of them over, and the motion attracted some unwanted attention as well. Katie was struggling to rise when she saw a goblin dart between the stone angels, swinging a club at her head.
She quickly rolled off to one side, dodging the blow. It thumped the dirt hard. Dan was on his feet by then, and with a snarl, he jerked his police baton from his belt and used it like a baseball bat. The goblin flew back between the angels.
“Ever consider cricket?” Tom asked, seizing up his harp to rise.
“Ever consider death!” a voice hissed.
Katie turned.
The Erl-King was hovering just in the shadow of the leading stone angel. Red eyes narrowed as the Erl-King jerked his hands up in the air.
The ground around the stump began to crumble inward. Tom and Dan threw themselves backwards to avoid plunging into the depths. The stone angels tumbled into the hole as the ground beneath them gave way, all save the lead angel, who fell forward and shattered. Katie went in the opposite direction—the highest point she could find that was still touched by the last rays of the sun—the top of the stump.
“No!” the Erl-King snarled.
She met his glower with one of her own, rising to stand on the stump and unwrapping the silk from around her. The Erl-King surged forward as though eager to stop her, yet the last of the sunlight was stronger than he could bear. He howled, waving is his arms, trying to force the black fog to close around her as she unfurled the flag and raised it overhead.
“I am Katie MacLeod of the MacLeods of Dunvegan, and by your oath, I call the Lords of the Seelie to join in my cause and drive the Unseelie Host from Mercyville!” she shouted.
“NO!” the Erl-King shrieked. “For that, you will pay with your life, mortal!”
The dark fog pushed upward as the last rays of sun glittered off the faery flag and faded. Wind whipped at Katie, threatening to tear the green cloth from her grasp. She was forced to her knees, and the Erl-King smiled as though be believed the victory was to be his. But a new light swelled around the trunk of the old oak, flowing upward from the depths. As Katie staggered to her feet to watch, the Seelie Host came surging out of the ground on glowing silvery steeds that ran without ever touching the earth.
At once, there was a rousing cry, and Unseelie Host abandoned their mischief to meet the onslaught. Wherever the Seelie pressed their bright steeds and flaming swords, goblins fell. Those who caught on to the futility of their position raced for the shadows to no avail. The Seelie followed, spreading their white light outwards.
When the light had risen, the Erl-King screamed and leaped onto the stump, gathering darkness around him like a cloak. He shrouded himself in it as his red eyes filled with hatred settled their angry stare on Katie. She stepped back to stay out of his darkness and found herself on the edge, and a quick glance down showed her that there was nothing beneath her to stop her descent if she fell.
“No mortal born has ever defeated me!” he shouted at her. “What makes you think I shall allow you to be the first, Katie of the MacLeods!”
“She can’t be the first!” Tom shouted from the edge of the walkway still intact around the edge of hummock. “Or have you forgotten that I alone hold that honor, Erl-King!”
The Erl-King glanced outward with a hiss, and the distraction gave Katie the moment, she craved. “I’ll be happy to take second place on that list,” she said, and with a shout, she rushed at the Erl-King, slamming her shoulder into his chest.
He gave a scream, tumbling backwards and teetering at the edge of the stump. Katie whipped the flag around as though flicking a wet towel and snapped one corner into his face. The Erl-King shrieked, “Not into the light!” before losing his balance and falling over the edge. Black talons broke through the concrete as he managed to snag the stump, dangling over the bright glowing abyss.
Katie heard a boot on the stump just beside her. She turned with a gasp. Micheil rose, his white cloak billowing like wings on the wind. With a shout, the Lord of the Seelie raised his flaming sword and brought it down on the Erl-King’s hands, severing them at the wrists. The Erl-King gave one last hideous scream and plunged into the depths of white light. His panicky wail seemed to go for such a long time as the light devoured the darkness from around him, and then began to devour him.
Katie peered over the edge, shading her eyes. Nothing could be seen. She glanced up at Micheil who was sheathing his flaming sword and glowering into the depths.
“Where does this go?” Katie asked.
“Eventually, back to the Erl-King’s own realm in the deepest center of the earth,” Micheil said. Without even asking, he drew arms around Katie then flew from the stump to the edge where Tom and Dan eagerly awaited her. There, he released her, but not before smiling, taking her hand and kissing it. The touch of fae lips sent icy shivers up and down her spine. The Lord of the Seelie Host smiled and Katie jerked back her hand, gasping. She felt Dan quickly move up as though ready to defend her virtue from faery sensuality.
“Well, now, Lady Katie of the MacLeods,” Micheil said. “I have done my part. It is your turn to release us from our obligation to the flag and close both the Gates.”
“How can I do that?” she asked.
“Burn the flag, and we will be free to leave, and...” He glanced towards the depths of the hole around the tree. “I would suggest a large load of fill dirt, I believe that’s what your kind call it. Oh, and I would remove the stone shield from the tree so it can grow again.”
She nodded, folding the faery flag into a bundle in her arms. There was no lack of fire to do the first deed. The fill dirt might be another matter. At least, having collapsed part of the cavern, there wouldn’t be as much needed—she hoped.
“What about the goblins?” she asked, looking around. As far as she could tell, the only faery standing about the square were the ones mounted on the bright silver steeds.
“Those who escaped us and rushed back into the pit will not venture forth without the Erl-King to lead them,” Micheil said. “And once the gate is covered, they will not be able to cause mischief here again. Now, burn the flag, Katie MacLeod, and set us free.”
“Wait,” Tom said, stepping forward to block Katie’s path. “Did the Faery Queen really say she wanted me back?” he asked.
“Well,” Katie said, “she asked me to ask you to return, and she did say she missed her beautiful man.”
Tom grinned. “Really, aye well, I can’t say as she’d think so once she saw me now.”
“She said you’d be forever young in the Summer Land,” Katie said.
“Did she now,” Tom said brightly. “Well, then, I might just tag along with you, Micheil, if you have no objection.”
“To you, True Thomas, I have none,” Micheil said. “The court is a rather dull place without you.”
“But, Tom,” Katie said. “What about everything here—the gate—the house. I mean, if you leave, who’s going to look after this town?” Her throat grew thick, choking off the words as she realized just how fond she felt of him.
Tom smiled wistfully, and his large hand brushed her face in a fond manner. “Ah, Katie MacLeod, I shall miss you too, but I think there is one here who will be a much better guardian of truth than I. Ye know all the signs now, lass. Ye’ll know what to watch for, and mayhaps one day, I’ll come back fae ye when
yer old and grey and ready to leave this place.”
Katie bit her lip, throwing arms around Tom to hug him. He chuckled and hugged her back, and then released her and shook Dan’s hand. Still fighting tears, Katie made her way to the nearest fire. She wadded the silk into a small bundle, and it seemed to shrink in expectation as she tossed it into the flames.
The fire leaped up, sending bright sparkles into the sky like stars. Katie turned back and watched as Micheil raised his arms. Over the stump, a bright gateway formed. The Seelie filed through it, an army returning home from victory. Last to go were Micheil and Tom, and the latter waved at Katie before the bright gate folded in on itself and disappeared.
For moments silence filled the air, then folks began to move, looking confused. Murmurs surrounded Katie, and she felt as though every eye in town had turned on her. She sighed, glancing around. Some people were assisting others who had been injured by the attack. The middle MacGreeley sister was bent over, waving her hat at the eldest, who appeared to have fainted. The youngest met Katie’s gaze and smiled as if to say, “I know the truth now.”
Dan’s arm slid over her shoulder. “Hey, we won,” he said with a teasing smile.
“Yeah,” she said. “So what’s the prize?”
Sheriff Cannon was suddenly there, wiping the slather of lipstick from his face. “What the hell just happened?” he asked.
“Hell had nothing to do with it, nor did heaven,” Katie said. “Still want to arrest me?” She held out her wrists as though offering herself up to the law.
“I don’t know what I want to do, except brush my teeth and gargle with mouthwash,” Cannon snorted. “I think some of them old hags been eating garlic.”
Dan covered a short bark of a laugh with one hand. Katie shook her head, smiling as she lowered her arms.
“Besides, I can’t say as I’d like to have to write up a report on how I witnessed faeries fighting faeries in the middle of town,” Cannon said. “I’d never keep my badge.”
“What about Lonnie’s death?” Katie insisted.
“I’ll talk to the coroner from Newport,” Cannon said. “Considering our perpetrator just fell in a hole to nowhere, might be the best to tell the authorities it was death by person or persons unknown.”
“Like the drifters?” Dan said.
Sheriff Cannon frowned.
“Well, I think the first thing we need to do is get Durgan off the roof,” Katie said, pointing towards the library where the Director was still dangling and wailing for mercy. “Then this town needs to get together and listen to a few words of advice.”
“What kind of advice?” Cannon asked, and even Dan looked puzzled.
“Let’s just say, it’s about time minds were opened up a little,” Katie said. “My ancestors were here when the MacGreeleys came—some of them before—and it’s time some folks learned that open minds say more than open mouths. Besides, there’s a lot of organizing to do. Dirt for the hole, and chipping that concrete off so the tree can grow again.”
“That’s why we have a mayor,” Cannon said. “You thinking about taking his job?”
“Maybe I will,” Katie said. “Mayor MacLeod, how does that sound?”
“What will be your campaign slogan?” Dan asked in a teasing manner.
“Truth, justice, and the American way,” Katie said. “But Truth above all else.”
“Don’t know that the MacGreeleys will agree,” Dan said.
“I have friends in high places too,” Katie insisted. “Of course, I don’t have a flag to summon them anymore.”
Then again, she probably wouldn’t need one. Because somewhere off on the evening breeze, she would have sworn she heard the tinkle of silver bells, and the gentle ring of a hand raking an arpeggio from the strings of a harp.
About the Author
Laura J. Underwood has been writing as far back as she can remember. Her fantasy stories have appeared in a variety of magazines and anthologies, including the Sword & Sorceress anthologies and the Bubbas of the Apocalypse anthologies. Her novels include Ard Magister, Dragon's Tongue, Wandering Lark and the soon to be released Demon in the Bones. When not writing, she is a librarian who enjoys corrupting small minds with words and stories so they will hopefully grow up to be avid readers. In her spare time, she likes to play with beads, draw and paint, practice harp and sew clothing for her growing collection of ball-jointed dolls (many of which are designed to look like the characters in her stories). Her webpage is located at www.sff,net/people/keltora.
About the Cover Artist
Melanie Fletcher is an expatriate Chicagoan who currently lives in North Dallas with her husband the Bodacious Brit™ and their five fabulous furbags JJ, Jessica, Jeremy, Jemma, and Jasmine (yes, they were following a theme, moving along now). When not herding cats, she turns into SF Writer Girl, and has the SFWA membership card to prove it. Her recent SF sales include “The Lark Ascending” (serialized in Gearhearts Steampunk Glamour Review) and “Le Gardien” (Tales from a Lone Star: A Future Classics Anthology, Belaurient Press). She also writes paranormal erotic romance under the name Nicola Cameron, and her second novel Two to Tango was just released in June from Evernight Publishing.
Yard Dog Press Titles as Of This Print Date
A Bubba in Time Saves None, Edited by Selina Rosen
A Man, A Plan, (yet lacking) A Canal, Panama, Linda Donahue
Adventures of the Irish Ninja, Selina Rosen
The Alamo and Zombies, Jean Stuntz
All the Marbles, Dusty Rainbolt
Almost Human, Gary Moreau
Ancient Enemy, Lee Killouth
Angels of Mercy, Laura J. Underwood
The Anthology From Hell: Humorous Tales From WAY Down Under, Edited by Julia S. Mandala
Ard Magister, Laura J. Underwood
Assassins Inc., Phillip Drayer Duncan
Assassins Incorporated: Rehired, Phillip Drayer Duncan
Bad City, Selina Rosen & Laura J. Underwood
Bad Lands, Selina Rosen & Laura J. Underwood
Black Rage, Selina Rosen
Blackrose Avenue, Mark Shepherd
The Boat Man, Selina Rosen
Bobby’s Troll, John Lance
Bride of Tranquility, Tracy S. Morris
Bruce and Roxanne from Start to Finnish, Rie Sheridan Rose
The Bubba Chronicles, Selina Rosen
Bubba Fables, Sue P. Sinor
Bubbas Of the Apocalypse, Edited by Selina Rosen
The Burden of the Crown, Selina Rosen
Chains of Redemption, Selina Rosen
Checking On Culture, Lee Killough
Chronicles of the Last War, Laura J. Underwood
Dadgum Martians Invade the Lucky Nickel Saloon, Ken Rand
Dark and Stormy Nights, Bradley H. Sinor
Deja Doo, Edited by Selina Rosen
Dracula’s Lawyer, Julia S. Mandala
Dragon’s Tongue, Laura J. Underwood
The Essence of Stone, Beverly A. Hale
Fairy BrewHaHa at the Lucky Nickel Saloon, Ken Rand
The Fantastikon: Tales of Wonder, Robin Wayne Bailey
Fire & Ice, Selina Rosen
Flush Fiction, Volume I: Stories To Be Read In One Sitting, Edited by Selina Rosen
Flush Fiction, Volume II: Twenty Years of Letting it Go!, Edited by Selina Rosen
The Four Bubbas of the Apocalypse: Flatulence, Halitosis, Incest, and... Ned, Edited by Selina Rosen
The Four Redheads: Apocalypse Now!, Linda L. Donahue, Rhonda Eudaly, Julia S. Mandala, & Dusty Rainbolt
The Four Redheads of the Apocalypse, Linda L. Donahue, Rhonda Eudaly, Julia S. Mandala, & Dusty Rainbolt
The Four Redheads: The Wrath of Satan, Linda L. Donahue, Rhonda Eudaly, Julia S. Mandala, & Dusty Rainbolt
The Garden in Bloom, Jeffrey Turner
The Geometries of Love: Poetry by Robin Wayne Bailey
The Golems of Laramie County, Ken Rand
The Green Women, Laura J. Underwood
The Guardians, Lynn Abbey
Hammer Town, Selina Rosen
The Happiness Box, Beverly A. Hale
The Host Series: The Host, Fright Eater, Gang Approval, Selina Rosen
Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas!, Edited by Selina Rosen
How I Spent the Apocalypse, Selina Rosen
I Didn’t Quite Make It to Oz, Edited by Selina Rosen
I Should Have Stayed In Oz, Edited by Selina Rosen
In the Shadows, Bradley H. Sinor
International House of Bubbas, Edited by Selina Rosen
It’s the Great Bumpkin, Cletus Brown!, Katherine A. Turski
Judas Gene, Gary Moreau
The Killswitch Review, Steven-Elliot Altman & Diane DeKelb-Rittenhouse
The Leopard’s Daughter, Lee Killough
The Lightning Horse, John Moore
The Logic of Departure, Mark W. Tiedemann
The Long, Cold Walk To Mars, Jeffrey Turner
Marking the Signs and Other Tales of Mischief, Laura J. Underwood
Material Things, Selina Rosen
Medieval Misfits: Renaissance Rejects, Tracy S. Morris
Mirror Images, Susan Satterfield
Mirror, Mirror and Other Reflections, James K. Burk
More Stories That Won’t Make Your Parents Hurl, Edited by Selina Rosen
Music for Four Hands, Louis Antonelli & Edward Morris
My Life with Geeks and Freaks, Claudia Christian
The Necronomicrap: A Guide to Your Horoooscope, Tim Frayser
Playing With Secrets, Bradley H & Sue P. Sinor
Redheads In Love, Linda L. Donahue, Rhonda Eudaly, Julia S. Mandala, & Dusty Rainbolt
Reruns, Selina Rosen
Rock ’n’ Roll Universe, Ken Rand
Shadows In Green, Richard Dansky
Stories That Won’t Make Your Parents Hurl, Edited by Selina Rosen
Strange Robby, Selina Rosen
Tales from Keltora, Laura J. Underwood
Tales of the Lucky Nickel Saloon, Second Ave., Laramie, Wyoming, U S of A, Ken Rand
Tarbox Station, Rhonda Eudaly
Texistani: Indo-Pak Food from A Texas Kitchen, Beverly A. Hale
Angels of Mercy Page 22
