An old diary is given to the new owners of a house in Cambria, California. Designed by famous architect Julia Morgan, it has some oddities - including a spiral staircase in the backyard, leading to nowhere. What they discover involves old Welsh magi...
There was confusion all across Cambria, the Preserves, the Beaches and House Draconis when one minute there were hands being tied, mouths being bound, and some smaller beings put in cages; and the next, all their foes disappeared at once. Then there was joyful and happy mayhem!
"We won! Holy Mother of Magic, we won!" I shouted. Teg everywhere began dancing, humans were calling their neighbors, and Rita was already recording interviews on her cell for the local paper...and some, obviously, for private viewing and posterity.
The monks in the backyard were playing something definitely not religious, more joyous and bouncier – sort of a funky middle eastern melody. The Old Farts and Geezers were chasing Teg of either sex to make merry with <ahem> and the grass folk were making pictures on the lawn, dashing to and fro while dodging many pairs of big, moving feet. Alwyn and Emily, in cat form, were running up and down the roof, where Kirin proudly stood, blasting gouts of golden fire.
Annie was dancing a jig with both Nettle and the elder Tambini. As soon as he saw me, he swooped over and somehow lifted me into the air. "Best badly played game of Gwyddbwyll I've ever seen! Well done, Lillian! Well done!"
When King Auberon and Queen Mab appeared on the Staircase to Nowhere, the quiet rippled outwards. I stepped forward, grabbing Annie's hand, and knelt. Everyone knelt. Behind them stood Bertha Draconis, and a young elf who bore a strong resemblance to the King.
Leave it to my Annie to say what's on everybody's mind. "You and yours are welcome in our home, for simple comfort, a simple meal or simple friendship. The day is won, your Majesties. But if I may ask a simple question?"
Mab's eyebrows nearly hit the ceiling. "You may, if you can forgive me my folly in thinking I could poison a fellow Teg."
I jumped in before Annie could answer. "Your Majesty's intent was crystal clear at the time. She may forgive you, but I do not. The patriarchy has held sway over the women of the Teg for far too long, as I understand it. I can forgive a sister for wishing to usher in change. Wouldn't you agree, Nettle Tansy?
Mab gasped as Nettle stood and nodded. Mab looked at Annie. "What is your question?"
"Where is the Prince? Shouldn't he be here, with his loyal followers, in celebration of this day?"
"I am the Prince," Auberon declared.
At this, a murmur went around the room. "Am I the only one who's confused?" asked the elder Tambini.
"It is true, then. Mab is constant, never reborn but ever-changing. You are born and plant the seed of your own rebirth when you die. You are reborn, and never-changing. This is unfair."
"Those who wish to see this imbalance set aright, follow." Mab & Auberon climbed the stairs and opened the last and highest door.
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We all stepped upon a craggy, rocky outcropping which must have been taller once. Surrounding us were figures out of the Welsh pantheon, encased in shafts of many-colored light. One of them spoke:
"Auberon, this opportunity to change one law which binds you and your kind - have you given this adequate thought?"
"We have," Mab answered. Auberon stood, nonplussed, as if her answering for him came as no surprise.
"And what, our children, have you decided?" said the goddess Arianrhod.
"We ask that we both be subject to the privilege of rebirth, every 100 years changing from one to the other. That the privilege of rulership be shared, changing every 100 years, in opposition to the year of rebirth. That the firstborn child of either sex, but having the parentage of both King and Queen, when of age, shall step into the role occupied by the parent that shares their sex." Mab breathed deeply, slightly out of breath.
"And that in 1,000 years," said Auberon, "We all meet here again, and discuss this change's merit and its resulting success or failure, with the option of revoking or amending it."
Mabon laughed. "Very well spoken, and very well considered. So mote it be."
We were about to turn around when Arianrhod said, "Let it be known that I give the Coven Draconis my protection, and my blessings." She winked, and the Old Gods vanished.
