Fragile Eternity
Page 45

Why didnt you tell me? She took a bite of the omeletspinach, cheese, and tomatoone of her favorites.
Its something Id rather do on my own. I didnt want to offend you by telling you that you werent welcome.
She paused, unable to say she wasnt a little hurt. Why?
He didnt answer right away, and when he did, his voice was hesitant. When I was bound, I used to see these places, the struggling trees and fields fighting to produce food for the mortals and the animals. Id try. Little trickles of sunlight. That was all I had. It wasnt much, but it was something. I have more now.
I could help someday.
Maybe. Right now, I dontits private. Ive only ever shared it with one person.
Donia.
Yes, he admitted. She was mortal the first time. Afterward, I took her to some of the places over the years when I needed to talk to her, but I didnt tell her why I went there. I went to her today. We talked.
And?
Were going to sort it all out. Well work around the pull between us. Itll all be manageable. We just cant let ourselves forget.
Im sorry.
Whatever we do, its going to be something we both agree on. I held hope that our friendship would grow, that youd choose to be with me, but
She took a deep breath and asked again, Will you help me find a way to change Seth?
No. Keenan paused. Were still learning, Aislinn. The approach of full summer for the first time in either of our lifetimes is intoxicating. Itll get easier for you and for him.
Promise? She worried her lip.
And well get stronger.
Go tend your orchard. Im going to go try to reach Seth again.
Tell him Im sorry toofor what its worth. Im done pushing you, Keenan added. Summers about passion, Aislinn. Its what we are. Take yours with him, and Ill enjoy my time with Don.
After he disconnected, Aislinn smiled. Even with the pressure of summer, they could all find a way to make this work now that she and Keenan were in accord.
Aislinn ate, dressed, and left the loft. She needed to go find Seth so things could get set right, but when she crossed into the park, she stopped in horror.
The Summer Girls were all bleeding or moving with broken limbs. Their own vines choked them. Rowan guards were set afire. Aobheall in her fountain was solidified into a sculpture. Her mouth was open in a soundless shriek. Smoke lay low in the air, twisting up from the decimated trees and from the bodies of the rowan. Aislinn could taste it. Ashes rained down like gray snow.
One woman, a raven-haired faery, walked through the destruction. A carved bone knife was strapped to her thigh, the white of it standing out starkly against gray camouflage pants. A tattered black cloak, damp with fresh blood, fluttered as she moved. Aislinn was struck by the oddity of a cape over military fatigues until she realized that it wasnt a cloak at all: the woman had feather-hair that fell down her back and seemed to thicken to form dense wings as Aislinn watched her.
Pretty pictures all for you, the faery said. She made a sweeping gesture across the air in front of her. Unfamiliar patterns were painted on her arms with woad, ash, and blood.
Aislinn looked at her faeries. Shed thought she hated them just a few months ago; she still feared them sometimes. It wasnt hate or fear of them she felt just now though: it was terror and heartbreak.
The faery slid an arm around Aislinns waist. Its forall of us, really.
What have you done? Aislinn whispered.
Tracey was dancing, but one arm hung at an unnatural angle as if itd been torn from the socket.
Aislinn shoved the raven-haired faery away. What have you done to my faeries?
Nothing. She waved her hand again and the park looked as it should: the Summer Girls and the rowan and Aobheall were all fine. A fire burned in the clearing, though, flames wavered in the center of the circle where the Summer Court typically held its revels. It wasnt a small campfire but a raging blaze.
Shall I tell you a story, my little queen? The faery had eyes like Irial and Nialleternal blackbut hers shimmered with a hint of madness. Shall I tell about what-ifs and what-nows?
Who are you? Aislinn backed away from her as she asked, but she was near certain who she wasBananach, the essence of war and bloodshed. It couldnt be anyone else.
Once upon a time, the world was mine. It was a lovely place. Chaos danced with me, and our children ate the living. Far-Dorcha himself dined at my table. Bananach squatted down in front of the fire. It was midday, but the sky was dark with ash and smoke.
Is that an illusion too?Aislinn wasnt sure what to do. Faeries glamours shouldnt work on her.Why does hers?
Bananach? Aislinn asked. Thats your name, right?
It is a name I use. She tilted her head at an odd angle and glanced at Aislinn. And you are the ash-girl, the missing Summer Queen, the one who would bring peace.
I am. Aislinn could feel the heat of the fire as it grew wider still.
Bananachs expression became hopeful: eyes wide, lips parted. I could like you if you would step willingly to the pyre. Let them blame each other. Its a little thing really. It mightnt even hurt. Sunlight and fire, much the same.
Aislinn trembled. No. I dont think so.
I would dance to your screams. You wouldnt be alone, she said cajolingly.
No. Aislinn stood very still, sensing from Bananachs predatory gaze that sudden movement might be unwise. I think you should go.
Dont you want me to answer your questions, little ash-girl? I know much.
Is there a right response? Aislinns words werent wavering, but she felt certain that the faery knew how intimidating she was. Hoping she wasnt making a mistake, Aislinn added, Tell me what you will.