“But surely some of the volumes I need are here.” He began naming the ones he was specifically seeking, but at each title, Drustan shook his head.

“That’s inconceivable, Drustan!”

“Aye, and it nigh seems deliberate. Christopher and I suspect someone intentionally removed them, though we cannot discern how it might have been done.”

“I need those texts, damn it!” He slammed his fist against the paneled wall.

There was a moment of silence, then Drustan said slowly, “There is a place—or should I say a time—they can be found. A time both you and I know our clan’s library was fully extant.”

Dageus smiled bitterly. Right. And just how was he going to explain that to Chloe? Ahem, lass, the tomes I needed aren’t here, so we’re going to have to go back in time and get them? He snorted. Would nothing be simple? It seemed she’d be learning more about him, whether he was ready to tell her or not.

“I could go for you,” Drustan offered. “Just long enough to get what we need.”

“Then I’m going too,” Gwen said instantly.

“Nay!” Drustan and Dageus both snapped at the same time.

Gwen glared. “I will not be left behind.”

“Neither of you will be going.” Dageus halted that argument before it built steam. “We have no guarantee that the Tuatha Dé Danaan didn’t plant other dangers in the in-between. Any Keltar who opens a bridge for personal reasons is at risk. No Keltar but I will be opening any bridges to another time. I’m already dark. Besides, what one brings into the stones at one end doesn’t always show up on the other end. I lost several heirlooms when I came through last time.”

Gwen nodded slowly. “That’s true. I lost my backpack. It went spiraling off into the quantum foam somewhere. We can’t risk trying to bring the books through.”

“Can you open the stones safely? What will the use of magic do to you?” Drustan asked cautiously. To Gwen, who hadn’t been privy to their earlier conversation, he explained, “When he uses magic, it makes the . . . er, ancient ones stronger.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t go,” Gwen worried.

Dageus exhaled dismally. All his hopes were pinned on those Keltar texts, and he’d wasted as much time as he dare. “If what you say is true, and the tomes aren’t here, I doona have a choice. As for the magic, I’m more concerned about what Da might do to me. I’ll deal with the darkness somehow.”

“We’re clan, Dageus,” Drustan said softly. “Da would never turn his back on you. And the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous. The spring equinox is but a few days hence—”

“’Tis no’ necessary,” Dageus cut him off. “I can open the stones any day, at any hour.”

“What?” Drustan and Gwen exclaimed together.