Free A Cage of Roots by Matt Griffin

an earring before putting it to her ear.
    ‘Hello?’ she asked impatiently, throwing the Guard an apologetic glance.
    They could all just barely hear the voice on the other end; it sounded cross.
    After a series of okays and I-See’s , Mrs Sheridan put the phone to her shoulder.
    ‘I’m sorry, Guard, but it seems Sean and Benvy Caddock have a bus to catch.’ She looked surprised, surpassed only by Sean’s stunned expression.
    ‘It’s their teacher, Mr Fenlon, on the phone. Apparently, the bus will leave without them if they’re not there in fifteen minutes.’
    ‘I’ll need to speak to him, please,’ said the Guard.
    Mrs Sheridan handed over the phone. The plumpGarda cast his eyes to heaven in exasperation, unable to get a word in. He barked, ‘Well just tell us next time!’ before hanging up the phone and throwing it to Sean’s father.
    Sean had no time to wonder. He just silently thanked the gods, and gave his mother a look of glorious smugness.
    He raced upstairs to his room and filled a bag with extra jeans, a thick hoodie, fresh boxers and socks, and two t-shirts. He hesitated only for a moment before shoving his book into the front pocket of his rucksack. Downstairs, his mother had made egg sandwiches and his father had filled a flask of tea. She looked at her son with brow still furrowed.
    ‘Be good!’ was all she said.
    ‘I will, Mum,’ Sean replied, and threw his arms around her in a long hug.
    When he met Benvy outside, she winked at him in celebration.
    ‘We owe my brother two months of slave duty.’
    ‘Two months, Sheridan!’ her brother, Mick, shouted from his car, throwing the passenger door open for his sister. He was only a few years older than her, but he was spoiled rotten and had been given the car as an eighteenth birthday present. Benvy was never given anything. Mick was the great Caddock hope; she was just a girl.
    ‘You can have three!’ Sean replied, sliding along the back seat.
    ‘What are you up to, sis?’ asked Mick as they drove the short distance to Rathlevean.
    ‘Nothing, Michael, okay? Just please say nothing to Mum and Dad, and we’ll iron your disgusting underpants for as long as you like.’
    ‘Sold,’ he replied. ‘Just look after yourself, alright?’
    ‘We will,’ she said. ‘And thanks.’
    The world was still waking up and it was beginning to rain when they arrived at Ayla’s house. Inside, the uncles had packed small bags and were gathered around the kitchen table. Oscar sat amongst them, his own small backpack at his feet. Benvy and Sean felt a bit foolish with their giant camping rucksacks.
    ‘You took your time,’ Finny said, with no hint of joy. He looked nervous and pale.
    ‘That would be the presence of the Garda Siochána, Finny,’ Benvy informed him. ‘But don’t worry,’ she said when she saw the concern on the uncles’ faces. ‘It’s all fine. Long story.’
    Lann stood up from his seat and walked to the head of the table.
    ‘Okay, we’re all here. We have no more time to waste. We are to go to the gates. We can only open them at certain times, so timing is all-important. Benvy, you will go with Taig to Meath. You must be there for sunset.’
    ‘What?’ she asked in surprise, ‘All the way to Meath?Where’s the gate there?’
    ‘Newgrange,’ Taig told her.
    ‘I suppose it’s obvious really,’ she reasoned.
    Lann continued, ‘Sean, you’re to go with Fergus. To the Burren, to the Ailwee Caves. You must be there for the evening sun.’
    ‘And you are sure of Ailwee, Taig?’ Fergus asked. ‘I could have sworn he said “Ardee”.’
    ‘Yes, I’m sure, Fergus. Cathbad was very clear,’ Taig replied impatiently.
    ‘It was Ailwee, Fergus,’ Lann confirmed, ‘For evening sun.’ He turned to Finny. ‘Oscar, you’re coming with me.’
    ‘Oh God, let me guess: the Giant’s Causeway, the Rock of Cashel, the Blarney Stone?’ Finny asked sarcastically.
    ‘To Sheedys’ farmhouse,’ Lann answered, and slung his bag