Start | Chapter Twenty One Part Three | Index | Chapter Twenty Two Part Two

Liam and Penny were busy checking over the sleeping young woman the others had rescued from Ragnar so David sat quietly against the wall of the derelict church and watched them through the fog that was creeping back into his head.

He wasn’t sure how long he spent sitting there but he slowly became aware of a silvery choral music in the distance. At first he thought he might be imagining it but as he cocked his head to listen it became clearer – though still faint – and sliced through the mental fog dragging him back to clarity. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the choral chanting but could make out few details beyond its beckoning beauty and none of the words.

He didn’t realise that he had stood up and headed for the door until Penny tackled him and pulled him back. As she did the music cut off abruptly but he had the sense that was more to do with his ability to hear it than it having stopped.

“I think that we’re going to have to sit on him, Liam,” Penny said. “He’s trancing out on us and he can’t go wandering around in this state.”

“That’s not unexpected,” Liam said mildly. “Are you back with us, David?”

“For now.” David shook his head to try and clear the fog that was creeping back in now the music was gone. “But I’m not sure how long for.”

“A wise comment,” Liam said. “Do you remember where you were going when Penny stopped you? It might be important.”

“I…” David hesitated. “I’m not sure. I could hear this singing. I think I was going to see where it came from.” He blinked in surprise as Penny and Liam both hissed at that. “What’s wrong?”

“Hmm, you might want to try not to do that if it comes back,” Penny said. “If it’s the singing I think you mean anyway. It’s a manifestation of whatever it is makes Haventon draw supernatural creatures the way it does. I don’t think tracking it down unprepared would be the wisest move.”

“You’ve heard it?” he asked and she nodded.

“Yes, when I went through my own transformation,” she said. “Most fae and daemons who come to themselves in and around Haventon sense it some way but it’s not always as music. On the up side you must be nearly done with your transformation if you’re sensing it. Come and sit down and let’s see if we can work out what you are without sticking any pins in you.”

“Pins!” David stared at her.

“Yup,” she said cheerfully. “Fairies don’t like iron and daemon’s don’t like gold. Don’t worry I have adrenaline with me so you won’t die.”

“She’s joking,” Liam said before he could protest. “We don’t need to stick pins in you to see what substances bother you. And we’ll wait until you’re well before testing.” He stopped and pulled a face. “Oh, heavens! You’re going to have issues with stakes either way.”

“Uh?” David knew he knew what Liam meant but it took him a long moment to struggle through the fog and remember that fairies and daemons were sensitive to both the traditional stake woods. “Oh dear.” He rubbed at his forehead. “I’ll need gloves.”

“A good idea,” Liam agreed. “Now sit down and think about how you feel. Tell me anything that feels different.” He sat back down by the sleeping girl and pulled out a pad and pen. “That might help identify what you are.”

Start | Chapter Twenty One Part Three | Index | Chapter Twenty Two Part Two