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ago, and it fell apart in my hands, revealing a royal-blue-velvet box. Inside the box was a gold filigree locket that appeared to be quite old, embellished with an infinity knot on its face.
    I lifted out the beautiful piece by its long chain and held it up to the light. It pirouetted around my fingers, revealing a shield knot emblazoned on the back.
    I clicked open the dainty latch and held the locket in my palm. On the right side was a watch face; the left side was plain gold.
    When the time is right.
Was it a pun? Or had it something to do with my birthday? If it was an heirloom, whom had it belonged to?
    My phone chimed at that moment, reminding me it was time to go. I tucked the dedication charm into the locket,which I slipped over my head and under my sweater, then grabbed my cape, sword, and Thor, and headed out the door.
    It was still bright outside, although a few clouds had rolled in, threatening rain. Someone was burning leaves the next block over, the smoke billowing around a giant maple whose own branches were nearly bare. Just as I approached the backyard of the Geraghty Girls’ Guesthouse, I spotted Birdie and the aunts making their way out of the woods, each donning an autumn-colored cape.
    The patio table was dressed in grapevines, with bowls of apples and pears, nuts, and candles scattered about. There were three wrapped presents in the center surrounding a painted plaque of the Green Man, the god of the forest.
    Thor settled himself into a giant pile of leaves I had raked the day before as I watched the three Geraghty Girls approach, the air thickening with each step they took.
    Something was wrong. Not one of them was smiling, which was unusual on any pagan holiday. They lived for these celebrations.
    I heard Birdie say, “I can’t believe you forgot the Green Man, Fiona.”
    Fiona replied, “Why must I think of everything, Birdie?”
    “With all that’s on my mind, you could have been more observant.”
    “You think you’re the only one troubled? I’m concerned as well.”
    Lolly spotted me then and waved. She grabbed each sister by the earlobe, spun them around into a huddle, and bent down to whisper something.
    What the heck is this all about?
    The three of them swung toward me, each offering a false smile.
    Lolly rushed over to kiss both my cheeks, reeking of whiskey—a sign that her mind was running on turbo power. Birdie and Fiona stepped in to hug me next, each of them warm to the touch. An enormous crow screeched overhead and landed on the table just as I broke away.
    I took a step back and stared at the Geraghty Girls. “What’s going on?”
    Fiona said, “Whatever do you mean, dear?”
    “Birdie?”
    My grandmother shrugged her shoulders.
    I tapped my foot impatiently. “Lolly, what’s happening? I could cut the tension in the air with my sword.”
    “Oh, wonderful, you brought it,” Lolly said, and clapped her hands.
    They all three stood there grinning at me like I was a virgin they were about to toss into a volcano.
    I crossed my arms. “I want to know what has you concerned, and I want to know now.”
    Fiona blurted out, “Birdie double-booked a room for next weekend.”
    Birdie glowered at Fiona. “We will make do. These things have a way of working themselves out.”
    “You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep,” Fiona said.
    I said, “That’s it? Why can’t you just call the visitor center and book them a room at another inn?”
    “Splendid idea. We’ll do that in the morning.” Lolly shot her sisters a look of warning. “Come, Stacy, open your gifts.”
    My oldest aunt glided toward the table, reached for the largest package, and motioned for me to join her. “This is from me.”
    I tossed one last glance back at Birdie and Fiona and walked over to where Lolly stood. The box was heavy. I shook it gently and smiled at my great-aunt. She stuck a tiara on my head.
    “I hope you like it,” she said.
    I lifted the lid off the big box and brushed aside soft