Page 142 of Lucky In Love

Amber gave him a small smile and a brief nod. “His heart is true,” she conceded.

Stepping closer to Byron, who lifted his head at the approach, Ruune peered at the humble man.

“Forgiveness is a gift of the gods. You have offended us and blatantly abused our property.” His tone was scornful, Ruune continued with a slightly softer voice, “Spritz is right. We haven’t made our presence known in the past. We prefer the simpler way of life, embracing harmony with the grass and trees.” Sighing, he gave Amber and the others in the circle another look before he continued. “Prove to us you are worthy of our forgiveness.”

“How?”

“We would require of you seventeen acts of atonement.”

Byron remembered his tour guide mentioned that the Irish had a couple of numbers they considered sacred. Three since one of the gods had three heads. Five, for the five great roads, the five provinces, and the five paths of law. Seventeen was considered a mystical number, with things occurring after seventeen weeks or seventeen years. “What are these acts that you would like me to do?”

“For the next five days, we want you to do these,” Ruune held out his hand, and Goshin ran up, handing him a piece of paper. In turn, Ruune handed it to Byron.

Taking the parchment, he scanned what was required of him.

You must find three four-leaf clovers and deliver them to our sacred area.

Before you bring them to us, you need to find three horseshoes, spit on them, and throw them over your head for good luck.

Bring us five pints of mead and leave them in the ring.

Do three acts of unselfishness, but call out to the Fairies of the Emerald Isle when you do so that we know you did them on our behalf.

He wasn’t sure where he was going to find four-leaf clovers, or horseshoes lying about, but he hoped Angela would be able to help him. As if reading his thoughts, Ruune nodded. “You may employ the aid of your guardian. However, everything must be accomplished by the end of the five days,” He stepped back, and all of the fairies shimmered away.

Byron was alone in the grove with Angela.

Moving up to him, she silently asked if he was ready to depart. Once she was given his consent, she wrapped her soft, feathery wings about him only to open them moments later in his dining room.

He was quickly learning not to be surprised by this form of travel. After all, he was dealing with fairies and gargoyles. Byron waved the sheet of paper around. “I have no clue where to begin to do these things.”

“I will help.”

“I’d be lost without you.” Plus, Byron realized he would get to spend more time with her. She had eyes that bewitched him and touched his soul. She gave him a feeling of peace and calmness he had never experienced before, and he knew she was the best thing that had happened to him in ages. “Where do I begin? What should I do now?”

“Although your five days have begun, you might start with a good night's sleep. Since they have tasked you with several obligations, they will leave you alone until your tasks are complete or you fail to finish your trials. However, I will remain on watch while you rest.”

Byron nodded as he knew Angela was right. He hadn’t had a decent slumber since before he took the rock from the fairy ring and pissed off the fae. “You’re probably correct. We can start first thing in the morning.”

“First thing at sunset. I only come out in the darkness of night.”

Chapter Eight

The sun dipped beyond the horizon. Byron watched the solar disc lower while keeping his eye on the stone statue. He was getting impatient but didn’t move away from the table.

When twilight turned to darkness, the statue quivered as if he were looking at it in a heatwave. The stone masonry melted, replaced with bronze feathers and golden bronze hair. Angela stood, stretching her wings as well as she possibly could without knocking over everything in the house. Turning, she saw Byron.

“Hello.”

“Are you hungry? I’ve not seen you eat anything, but I made dinner for us,” Byron gestured towards the table decorated with place settings and illuminated candlesticks.

Tucking her wings back in, she smiled. “I do eat, but I don’t need to do so daily. It’s very sweet of you to do this for me. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will count towards your three acts of kindness.”

“Oh. I already did a couple of those. There was a homeless person. I got him a hotel room and purchased a few meals to be delivered by DoorDash so he wouldn’t go hungry. And I made sure to tell the fairies I was doing it in their honor. I’m unsure what to do for the rest of my selfless acts. As for this?” He pointed to the table, then held out his hand for hers. “I wanted to do this for all you have done on my behalf. Please join me. We can work on my penance afterward.”

Slipping her hand in his, she let him lead her to the table, allowing him to pull the chair out for her. “I have water, but I also have tea if you prefer.”

“Tea? Yes, please.”