Murtagh nodded. “The Hunter rules the woods. The Lord of the Selkies rules the sea. So. How can I and mine help you? Fae whose other form is suited to water are of little use to you on land, but we control the sea around our island, right to the shore of the mainland.”

“What do the barons on the coast say about that?” Aiden asked.

Murtagh smiled sharply. “A few years ago, when I first became the Lord of the Selkies, one of the coastal barons came to the island. He wasn’t pleased that our boats were fishing the same waters as his villagers since he got a share from every boat as well as what he made from his tenant farmers. Well, he came over and told me that since there was no baron ruling the island, he was taking it for his own. I explained to him that we didn’t need a baron, and I would rule my own people. He didn’t take kindly to that.”

“What did you do?” Ashk asked.

“Sank his ship. We rescued the people on board, but it was close to a fortnight before the baron set foot on ground he could call his own, and he learned a few things about how a baron’s power compares to that of a Fae Lord. He drowned a couple of years later. Wasn’t my doing, but no one mourned his passing, especially once people found out he’d made a deal with the sea thieves who had been making things difficult for merchant ships. His son was barely old enough to take up the title, but he’s done well for his people, and he and I have an understanding that suits us both. So if there are ships coming that need safe harbor, they’ll have it.” Murtagh paused. “And if there are ships that need to sleep at the bottom of the sea, and their crew with them, I’ll see it done.”

No one spoke.

Finally, Ashk asked, “Do you still have trouble with sea thieves?”

That sharp smile flashed again. “Not in my waters.”

“I would consider it a kindness if you would keep watch for one ship. It’s called Sweet Selkie, and Mihail is her captain. If you see her brother safely home, I think he’ll oblige you with an introduction to the new witch at Sealand. But I can’t tell you about other ships.”

“I understand, Hunter. I’m honored to have finally met you…and the Gatherer of Souls.”

Morag just stared at him before turning and walking away.

“Blessings of the day to you,” Ashk said quietly before she, too, walked out of the courtyard.

Aiden took a deep breath, then blew it out slowly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Taihg slump on the bench, as if exhausted. So, his weren’t the only nerves stretched by this encounter.