Trapped

third decade, speak to a god centuries old like that? Throwing his own words back at him? I was so proud.
    Ogma, to his credit, did not take offense. He rose without her help, dusted off his kilt, and grinned ruefully. » Okay, I deserved that. «
    He should have apologized. It would have cooled her down and she would have lost focus; she’d pay attention to the fact that she was sparring with a legend and was being watched by gods. But his admission of guilt without apology kept her focused.
    The third round was intense and much longer. It was an outstanding showcase of skill from both combatants. Granuaile wanted to win, and against almost any other opponent she would have, but Ogma was roused now, and he did, after all, have centuries more experience than she.
    When Ogma finally got through her defense and dropped her for the second time, he was clearly sweating and his face showed relief. The applause was loud—thunderous, even, thanks to Perun clapping next to me.
    » I am liking your peoples more all the times, « he bellowed over the noise.
    Once it had died down, Ogma leered at Granuaile and said, » Your clothes, please. «
    » Certainly, « she replied, then disappeared.
    A few confused noises filled the workshop, then laughter, as everyone realized that she had activated the enchantment on her staff.
    » Atticus, will you come hold this for me, please? « her voice called.
    » Sure. « I walked toward the place where she had been standing and stopped when her hand grabbed my shirt. She pulled me close and then guided my hand to Scáthmhaide. Once I touched it, I could see her.
    » I’m invisible to them right now, aren’t I? « she whispered.
    » Yes. We both should be now. «
    » Let me try something. Hold this against my belly. « She raised her tunic, I touched her belly with the staff, and she let go with her hands. » How about now? «
    I checked with Oberon. Can you see us?
    › Nope. ‹
    » Okay, « Granuaile said. » Keep it there. « She quickly took off her clothes, always keeping contact with the staff, and tossed her tunic and pants toward Ogma. They became visible as soon as they left her hand. There was much laughter at Ogma’s disappointed face. I saw that this could not have turned out any better; though Ogma had technically won, Granuaile had lost nothing and had, in a sense, outmaneuvered him. And no one would patronize her after this.
    A familiar faery in Brighid’s livery appeared in the doorway to the shop and cleared his throat pompously. Recognizing the herald, everyone stopped and stared at him. His voice, like a foghorn, projected certain doom.
    » All of the Tuatha Dé Danann are called to the Court immediately to hear a message from the Olympians. «
    Luchta frowned at the herald. » From the Greeks or the Romans? «
    » From both. Hermes and Mercury have come together to deliver the message. «
    Granuaile tilted her head toward me and whispered, » How did they get here? «
    » As messengers of the gods, they have the ability to walk the planes like we do, « I explained. » Just not in the same way. «
    » Any idea what they’re on about? « Goibhniu asked the herald.
    The faery coughed softly into his fist and paused, as if considering his answer deeply. » While I cannot say for sure, my speculation would be that it has something to do with the Iron Druid. «
    Several heads started to turn in our direction, but they caught themselves and none spoke a word about our silent, invisible presence.
    » We’d best go, then, « Ogma said. Everyone nodded and murmured agreement and began to file out of the shop. Granuaile and I followed; we asked Oberon to wait for us in the workshop. I gave her my tunic so that she’d be covered up in case we were forced to show ourselves, but I fully intended to behave like the proverbial fly on the wall—the one that always gets away and never gets swatted.
    When we got to the great wide meadow of the Fae Court, Granuaile found it interesting that there were far fewer Fae assembled to witness the audience of the Olympians. There were hardly any, in fact, aside from the assembled lords, and even they were not fully in attendance. All the Tuatha Dé Danann appeared, however, shifting themselves on short notice to the Court on Brighid’s command.
    The Olympian messenger gods floated three feet above the ground, perhaps ten yards from the small hillock on which sat Brighid’s throne. She was dressed far more formally for this occasion,