Twelve Months to Midnight

The deal between Mortal Men and the Fae would be ironclad, if they allowed even metaphorical iron into their realm. As long as we pay homage on an annual basis, the Court of Queen Mab will leave us in peace. But not all Fae come from her court and not all that do follow her rules. Even among immortal beings who use time the same way mankind uses fire, there are fractures and schisms; infighting and political manoeuvring. There were even wars among them in the past. The lack of their influence on the mortal world evident in the modern age is a direct result of the last one. “Holy shit.” The cup rattled noisily as I put it back on its saucer. “Holy shit.” I stood and tried to pace, but the office’s confines didn’t allow it. I stood behind my chair instead and leaned on it. I was out of breath like I had run a marathon. Corrigan smiled at me over his own cup. “Enjoy your trip?” I looked at him. “Holy shit,” was the best I could do. “The Otherworld is a wonderful place, is it not?” “I have...

Time in the Otherworld is a hotly-debated topic. When Oisín of legend visited Tír na nÓg, was he there for three centuries that seemed like three years? Or was he there for three years that seemed like three centuries? There’s a severe lack of peer-reviewed research on the topic. The shadows around us grew and darkened as the stone circle stepped one pace closer. Cloaks parted and grey hands emerged, holding swords and spears and sickles, all coated in the same green moss as the forest floor. Mab played another tune on her harp; this one a dirge. “We had such fun before. You were smarter than your kind and so nice to me. But the rules give you three questions. To try and cheat? To get six? Oh, so very very naughty.” “I beg forgiveness,” I said. “I presumed if I brought gifts, a courtesy may be extended. If I was wrong, I withdraw and deeply apologise.” “What has been said cannot be unsaid,” she whispered. Now we will have to figure out what to do with both of you.” “Mr. Donnelly had no...