Free Veiled Threat by Helen Harper

weren’t far away. The MacBains were lucky not to be located as dangerously close to the Veil as the Adair Lands were. I managed to reach them before it was time for a mid-morning snack. I took Bob with me for company but, after his night flying around on the Foinse, he was inside his letter opener and refusing to come out. All the same, I kept him close to me, attached to my belt for quick and easy access if necessary.
    I halted at the border, which was signified by a monstrous flagpole displaying the MacBain colours. Unlike the Cruaich, which was open to all Sidhe, the magical border here wouldn’t permit me entrance unless I already had permission. The different Clans were too wary of each other’s machinations to let just anyone wander in.
    I stepped up and pressed my palm against the border and received a mild electric shock in return. Hopefully that would be enough to alert any nearby guards. Then I hopped onto the bonnet of the car and waited. It didn’t take long. A figure appeared from a distant guard house, marching down the road towards me. Troll. That figured; the Sidhe always used trolls as guards.
    ‘What do you want?’ he snarled. He was dressed in ridiculously formal livery. Chieftain MacBain seemed to think she was living in the eighteenth century. It didn’t help that, of all things, he appeared to be carrying a spear.
    I smirked. ‘Nice togs. Are you going to a fancy-dress party?’
    The spear shook. ‘No.’
    Okay then. I stared at him and he stared back at me. Eventually, growing bored, I sighed. ‘I’m Integrity Adair. I’m here to see Chieftain MacBain.’
    ‘I wasn’t informed. There are no visitors due today.’
    I held up my palms, trying to get him to relax. It didn’t work. ‘It was a loose invitation. She wants me to help her retrieve something.’
    ‘If your name’s not on the list, you don’t get in. I don’t care who you are.’
    I smiled pleasantly. ‘Why don’t you phone up and check? I’m sure when she knows I’m here, she’ll want to see me.’
    The troll’s lip curled. ‘Rules are rules. Without her permission, you have to stay out.’
    I jumped down from the car. He waggled the spear at me in what I assume he thought was a menacing fashion. ‘Keep back!’
    ‘You’re right,’ I said. ‘Rules are rules. It’s very important to stick to them.’
    He sniffed. ‘I’m glad someone agrees with me.’
    I nodded wisely. ‘Not everyone understands how important security is.’
    He stood up a little bit straighter. ‘Yes! They complain to me all the time. Demand to be let in when they’re late. Forget to log out when they leave. It’s my job to make sure this area is secure! It’s me who’ll get in trouble when something bad happens.’
    I noted he said when , rather than if . I murmured soothingly, ‘People just don’t get it, do they? They’ll learn when a marauding band of Fomori demon come marching through.’
    He snapped his fingers. ‘Exactly!’ His gaze softened as if he was starting to think we were kindred spirits.
    ‘You’re a troll to be admired. Not all security specialists are as dedicated as you.’
    He bowed. ‘Thank you.’
    ‘What’s your name?’
    ‘Sorley.’
    I clapped my hands. ‘Great name!’ His cheeks went slightly pink. ‘Anyway, Sorley,’ I said, ‘I’d be so grateful if you could tell Chieftain MacBain that I’m here to see her. Don’t break any rules. It’s very important that you stick to them ‒ I wouldn’t want your security compromised in any way, shape or form. Honestly, I wish my Clan had as good a set up as this.’ I dropped my voice in a conspiratorial whisper. ‘Don’t tell anyone, but we don’t even have a proper border in place.’
    Sorley looked utterly horrified. ‘What did you say your name was again?’
    ‘Integrity Adair.’
    ‘Adair? But...’ He clicked his heels together. ‘I see.’
    See what? Before I could ask, hooves clattered up from behind. I turned in time to see a lordling I