Last Wish (Highland Magic #4)(91)

I glanced down at the masses of people. Bob was going to be disappointed. The combined glowing swirl of Foinse and the Draoidheachd was already there, drawing enough attention to itself to distract anyone who had considered getting blood on their hands. We were going to have to come up with a better name for it now.

Byron pulled me to him and wrapped his arms round me. ‘I’m sorry about your dad,’ I told him.

He sighed. He wasn’t grieving yet but he would. ‘Yeah. He did it to himself in the end, though. I’m sorry he took all your magic.’

I grinned into his shoulder. He’d only taken what I’d already stolen. Because he had wished for the Gift of Theft from Bob, he hadn’t taken that from me with the rest of the magic. I wasn’t quite as bereft as Byron thought.

‘I’ll get over it,’ I told him. My smile grew. Maybe I’d keep this one secret for a little while longer. Just for fun.

Far below us, the Fomori army stopped their advance. As the remainder of those loyal to Aifric dropped their shoulders and slunk to the side, the front ranks of the Sidhe, trolls, warlocks and Wild Men walked forward cautiously to greet their opponents. There were no smiles but the threat of violence had diminished. Nobody actually wanted to die. We’d been brought up to hate them and they’d been brought up to hate us. It would take a long time before we achieved real peace and I knew things wouldn’t smooth themselves out just because I, Bob, Asbar and a few others said we were okay now. Revolutions might happen overnight but real change took far longer. We’d get there though; we were Scotland, after all.

‘If the prophecy really is coming true,’ I said slowly, mulling it over, ‘then that kind of makes me The Highlander. You know what that means.’

The others groaned behind me. ‘What?’ Byron asked, humouring me. Yeah, he’d get tired of that pretty soon. I’d have to milk it while I could.

I drew back and met his eyes. ‘There can be only pun.’

***

A few days later, I was back at the same spot, gazing at Edinburgh and the land beyond. There had been skirmishes and fights and a lot of traded insults but some Highlanders and Lowlanders were beginning to integrate. It helped that the trolls were glaring at anyone who dared to think about breaching the peace. I was under the impression that they were absolutely delighted.

Bob flitted up, landing on the parapet in front of me. ‘Penny for your thoughts,’ he said.

I gave him a smile. ‘I was just wondering what my parents would have made of all this and if they’d be pleased that the Highlands and Lowlands are back together again. If they’d be happy that we’re going to co-exist with the Fomori demons or if they’d be terrified that we’d never find a way to get along.’

‘If they’re anything like you, Uh Integrity, they’d be thrilled. They’d be so proud of you. I know because I’m a magnificent all-knowing being with powers you can only dream of.’

I laughed slightly. ‘If you say so.’ I glanced round. ‘Where’s Byron?’

Bob sobered up. ‘Looking after his father’s remains.’

I bit my lip and nodded. Aifric might have been a bastard but he was still Byron’s father. Byron was going to be very mixed up about his feelings but he was a decent, good man and I knew he would grieve. ‘I’m surprised you’re still here,’ I said to Bob. ‘I thought you’d already be off looking for a new target. Those wishes ain’t gonna wish themselves.’

Bob toed the stone. ‘I thought I might hang around here for a while, if it’s alright with you.’

He didn’t look up so he didn’t see my happy grin. ‘It’s very alright with me.’

Bob suddenly beamed. ‘Really?’

‘Really.’

He leapt up into the air and somersaulted. ‘Great! I need your help then. All you have to do is to sneak my scimitar into Brochan’s pocket. You’re a thief, you can do it without him noticing. I think the big merman and I could have a lot of fun together.’

I watched him and he deflated slightly. ‘You’re not going to do it, are you?’

‘Nope.’

‘Uh Integrity! You’re just no fun.’

I smiled and gazed down the hill. If I squinted, I could make out May and Fergus. It looked as if she was introducing him to a group of Fomori demons. I shook my head in amusement. The Bauchan would end up running the entire country if we weren’t careful.

‘They make a good couple, don’t they?’ Bob beamed.

‘Yeah,’ I nodded. ‘They really do.’

‘So when are you going to do it?’

I glanced at him. ‘Do what?’

‘Duh! You know what. You and Byron. When are you going to tie the knot? Get hitched? Walk down the aisle? Take the plunge? Get yoked? Say I do?’

‘It’s early days yet. Anyway, I think we’ve had enough excitement for a lifetime.’

He arched an eyebrow. ‘You think your wedding will be exciting? It’ll be the most monotonous and boring day I could imagine. It’ll be you and Byron gazing googly-eyed at each other and going all soppy.’ He made vomit noises.

‘Then why are you bringing it up?’

Bob straightened. ‘Because he’s the one.’

I loved Byron. But to say he was the one? That seemed rather … definite. ‘I don’t know that.’