Daughter of the Sea

XVI: Thickening

"Oh, here you are, my loves." Arianrhod, still in her nightclothes and with hair streaming, appeared in the dark doorway. The little handmaiden pattered anxiously behind. "It's all right, Trina; go and make us some tea, there's a good girl. Ginger or chamomile, Angharad? Raspberry leaf for Eilwen, poor darling."

Eilwen let out a melodramatic moan, and Angharad threw a cushion at her head for it, which she tossed to the ground. "What's this all about? I already know about Arawn's siege, and mother's mad plan about Achren, so you needn't explain that part. Why hasn't she asked for my help? I've seen you come back from these midnight magic sessions; you look like death; you shouldn't be taking it on all on your own."

"Mother appears to think you're not quite trustworthy with sensitive information," Angharad informed her. "I can't imagine why."

"I call that unjust," Eilwen said, mockingly defensive. "It's my business to keep secrets - and I know some good ones, too." She quirked a mischievous, suggestive eyebrow at Angharad, who ignored her.

"Enough, Eilwen." Arianrhod's affection for her niece was real, and her patience long, but Angharad heard it stretch thin in her voice as her aunt settled on the couch with a sigh. "It is your mother's plans we must discuss. As you both no doubt know, I do not approve of this dealing with the...the...diffrwyth." Her face twisted in disgust, and both her nieces flinched at the profane word, denoting, in their nomenclature, a woman barren – not from illness or choice, but accursed, a divine punishment for unspeakable acts. "I fear the consequences of bringing her here, fear both what she may attempt and what wrath we may call upon ourselves by association. But Regat would not be gainsaid, and the thing is done."

"Why has she gone straight to this?" Angharad asked. "I still don't understand it. We surely had other options. Math, Dallben...even the Fair Folk might have aided us."

"Arawn isn't exactly hiding, is he?" Eilwen remarked. "The Sons of Don, and even Dallben for that matter, have had plenty of time to do something about him, and haven't, except bloody his nose when he sticks it too far out of Annuvin. Therefore I suspect they don't because they can't, at least not yet, and that's why Mother isn't bothering with them."

Arianrhod shrugged. "She has said as much, and resents that their failure to act has now brought trouble upon us - I admit, much as I esteem the House of Don, it troubles me as well. Though they are surely unaware of his designs against us, if that is what our troubles are. And now, of course, if Achren is to be involved, we must not draw their attention. It has put us in a grave position." She glanced curiously at Angharad. "It is interesting that you mention the Fair Folk. What do you know of them?"

"Not much. Stories. But they honor our house, don't they?"

"They do." Arianrhod looked dubious. "They keep to themselves, and rarely meddle in mortal affairs. But the tremors and fire would also be affecting their underground realm, if indeed they have any presence on the island anymore, which is more than I know."

"Is there a way to find out?" Angharad asked. "Can we contact them?"

Her aunt gave her a strange, guarded look. "There is only one foolproof way that I know of to get their attention, and it is...a very grave risk. If it were attempted at all, it would have to be done without Regat's knowledge."

Eilwen looked up, her eyes glinting. "Why? What's Mother got against the Fair Folk?"

Arianrhod waved off her curiosity with a frown. "Later. That is not why I called you." She hesitated, with the air of someone choosing words carefully. "Angharad, I spoke with your mother at length yesterday, after you left us. It took some time for her to compose herself. She was angry, of course, but also...greatly pained by several things you said. She cares for you, love, and takes great pride in you - though I confess she could show it more. But she fears for the kingdom if you cannot reconcile yourself to your obligations. She asks nothing of you that is uncommon to one in your position."