Chapter 34

Now he was using chalk to write “night” and “protect” on the amulet, as well as drawing a little sun-sigil that he then crossed out. If this version worked, he would carve the stone, but he didn’t want to decide that he needed to change something and have to start all over. When that was done he tucked the amulet into a little wooden box, and that into a belt pouch. Now it was time to go test it.

“Where is Bel?” he asked a drifting sprite.

It answered, “In his bedchamber. Shall I take you there?” Then the sprite giggled in a very knowing way.

Oisin tried to not roll his eyes at the little creature, and tried also, with less success, to not blush at the thought of going to Bel’s bed. Oisin didn’t get that answer when he asked for his master’s location often. Once he had wondered if Bel even had a bed, but he’d since learned that the tall god did, it was simply that he seemed to use it seldom. “I won’t disturb his rest, but if he’s awake, then yes.”