Where there is ruin... (Ireland)

[Aiden Finnegan]

The day started early enough for Aiden. Breakfast was served in their rooms at the break of dawn. The three of them ate together while Aiden and Jaxen argued over where to head next in their search. The Giant’s Causeway had been a bust; although Jaxen insisted it had been a successful day – he had met Ethelinda after all. Aiden wasn’t sure how he had felt about her. Something was off about the woman. She was polite enough, there was just something Aiden could not put his finger on.

                By the time Ethelinda showed up, they had all agreed on the Hill of Tara. It was only a ninety minute drive from Belfast, so there would be no need to change hotels. Aiden rented a car for the endeavor and even drove the thing himself. They piled in, Sage up front with Aiden and Jaxen with Ethelinda in the back.

                They had been on the A1 motorway for an hour when a Blarney Stonned song came on over the radio. Panic started to well up in Aiden’s stomach before his hand darted out to turn off the radio. Ethelinda still did not know that he was the frontman of the band; he still wore the same disguise as the day before. In an effort to draw attention away from the abrupt motion, Aiden spoke up.

                “I am so happy we decided to do this. Mum used to go on about all of the historical sights here. It’s nice to finally see them in person – especially the Hill. Etherlinda, did you know that it is said to be the seat of the High Kings?” Aiden asked while looking in the rear-view mirror, making eye contact with the woman, “If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you out this way? Your accent certainly isn’t local.”