Free The Obsidian Dagger by Brad A. LaMar Page A

kind of feather is that?”
    â€œIt’s one of the griffin’s feathers,” explained Dorian. “It must have fallen off when it took my father.”
    â€œA griffin is not supposed to lose its feathers,” added Rory. “It can’t grow any new ones, so each feather is very important to it.”
    â€œSo, what, the feather is trying to get back to the griffin then?” Lizzie asked a bit confused.
    â€œPretty much,” answered Biddy.
    Brendan raised a brow. “Well, then I guess we have our heading. Does anyone know where that is?”
    Dorian nodded. “To Morna’s castle. The griffin lives there, so if we follow the feather’s directions, then that should lead us to my father.”
    â€œAll right, but I want to stop off at our room and get some things and the money,” Brendan said as Galway came into view.
    Brendan and Lizzie left the car running on the curb as they took the steps two at a time to reach the entrance on the front porch of Gordy’s Home. Mr. and Mrs. Gordy were planted in their normal chairs doing their favorite activity. Gordy paused mid-rock when the O’Neal kids reached the porch.
    â€œHey, Yank,” Gordy began. “Your father wants you to call him on his cell phone when you get in.”
    â€œOh, okay,” Brendan replied as he grabbed the handle of the screen door.
    â€œBe a good boy and call your father,” echoed Mrs. Gordy.
    â€œI will, ma’am,” Brendan reassured her.
    When they reached their suite, they grabbed a gym bag that Brendan had stuffed all of his toiletries into. He dumped it out and then grabbed the deodorant and put it back into the bag. He picked up snacks, the money, and some mints for fresh breath, just in case. Lizzie returned with soap, a towel, and shampoo.
    â€œSoap and shampoo?” Brendan wondered aloud. “You think we’re heading where there’s a Ritz on every corner?”
    Lizzie stuffed the products into the bag. “All I know is that I’m going to be in a car for a couple of days with you people, so I am not going to let any of you smell the car up.” She wagged her finger and shook her head for emphasis. “We are bathing.”
    â€œNow that you mention it, Rory was a little rancid.”
    Lizzie nodded her head. “Imagine how he’ll smell in two days.”
    Brendan considered it for a moment. “Maybe you should grab another bar or two.”
    Five minutes later they emerged onto the porch and began walking past Mr. and Mrs. Gordy.
    â€œOff again so soon?” inquired Mrs. Gordy.
    Gordy leaned forward and spoke in a loud whisper. “Didn’t you see that nut job he’s got in the car? Dorian, I believe.”
    Mrs. Gordy studied the passenger without trying to hide her stare. “So he does. Bad news, she is.”
    Gordy looked back to Brendan. “Bit of advice, lad, lose the harpy as soon as you can. She’ll bring nothing but trouble.”
    Brendan and Lizzie exchanged glances. He was annoyed at the old couple for insulting Dorian and he wanted to give them a piece of his mind, but he only said, “Okay.” Better to not talk to them any more than he had to.
    They skipped down the steps and heard another reminder to call their father. Getting into the car, Brendan tossed the gym bag onto the back seat. He put the car into gear and tried to forget about Gordy’s warning.
    â€œYou probably should call Dad,” said Lizzie while Biddy took a new position on top of the gym bag.
    â€œI will.”
    Rory’s nose began to twitch and then he began to sniff the air like a hound tracking a rabbit. “Why do I smell soap?” he asked suspiciously.
    Brendan and Lizzie smiled at each other. Who knew when they would have a chance to smile again.
    Â 

 
    Chapter 7
    Flight of the Sidhes
    The ever-stormy area around Morna’s castle rattled the air and energized the electrons causing strike