‘I’m eleven. I don’t have anything valuable!’ said Cat.

‘I didn’t say it had to be money, child. But it should be something of great personal value to you. Something you swore to yourself you would never ever part with. Give the queen something worth her while and maybe, just maybe, you’ll all get out of there in one piece.’

With that, the Clurichaun clapped his hands together. ‘Right, now we’ve got that out of the way it’s time for you to be letting me go.’

Cat wracked her brain for more questions, but all she could think about was how little time she had to save Mikey and Jenny. She needed to get to the Green Rath as soon as possible. She nodded at the little man and kicked the salt circle open.

‘Thank you,’ she said.

She expected him to take off right away, but instead he hesitated.

‘You’re really going to go?’ he asked.

‘Of course,’ Cat said, without thinking.

The Clurichaun nodded, ‘You’re Mary Donnelly’s granddaughter all right.’

He looked around as though he expected something to leap out of the shadows. ‘I really shouldn’t do this,’ he muttered, ‘and I wouldn’t if I didn’t hold your granny in such high regard. She’s a fine woman so she is and very generous with the whiskey.’ He beckoned Cat and Shane closer. ‘There’s … something else you should know – but you didn’t hear it from me mind!’ he said and a warning glare.

‘Whatever it is, we promise we won’t tell anyone,’ Cat said.

The Clurichaun sighed. ‘The Trooping Fairies aren’t the only beings abroad tonight. There are other, more dangerous creatures to watch out for. Pay close attention, for I’ll say this only once.’ He took a deep breath and began to chant:

‘November Eve brings dangers untold

For those who tread the fairy road,

Who walk the line ’tween life and death,

And awaken beings that take no breath.

So, listen close and heed this tale

If your wish is to prevail.

When moonlight flees from darkest sky,

That’s when this spirit passes by.

A faceless rider you may see,

Who seeks to take thy life from thee.

Though his touch be cruel and cold,

He seeks silver, never gold.

A lonely voice leads travellers astray,

Her watery kingdom is where they’ll stay.

But as rivers into sea must flow,

So too must this maiden go.

And all souls shall be free to roam,

Once the maiden has gone home.

Dangers lurk where fae-winds blow,

And treachery you’ll find there when you go.

Open your eyes, look through, between,

Not all you see is as it seems.

The trickster knows more than he shows,

And all flee once the rooster crows.’

Before Cat could open her mouth to ask what any of it meant, the Clurichaun was gone.

‘Don’t forget the whiskey!’ Came a voice as though out of thin air.

‘Right,’ said Shane. ‘When do we leave?’

‘You’re coming with me?’ Cat asked, surprised.