"Where did you learn that song?" Shane and Adaire, the two singers from the pub, cornered the youngest three females. "It's a new song from an American country singer! Garth Brooks just released it a few weeks ago, and we only just learned it ourselves!"
The clan had moved the gathering to the lighthouse. They wanted to be there in case news came from Shannon and Flynn.
"We learn songs quickly," Melody admitted.
"Your voices are beautiful," a woman was saying to the others.
Murmurs and laughter from the humans followed as they continued the trek.
As they approached the fenced yard where they had eaten dinner the night before, an engine roar met their ears. A sleek sports car came sliding into the parking area, a plume of dirt and dust billowing out from behind it.
Matt jumped from the vehicle, waving his arm in the air to get their attention.
"Brooklyn," Matt yelled, "Hudson! Garia!"
Instantly, the three of them peeled off from the group, Bronx bounding after them. "What's wrong, Matt?" Brooklyn asked briskly.
"Problem," Matt said.
"Shannon?" Garia gasped, trying to keep her voice low, so the Emerald Isle clan wouldn't hear, just in case it was true.
"No," Matt shook his head. "Shannon is fine. Flynn should be sending someone to let the clan know soon."
"Then what's going on, lad," Hudson asked.
Matt seemed to hesitate, anxiety playing clearly on his face.
"Matt," Brooklyn barked.
"Right," Matt said, seeming to shake himself out of his temporary stupor. "There's a problem with the group that went to Australia."
"What kind of problem?" Brooklyn demanded. "Goliath? Elisa?"
"We don't know," Matt shook his head. "David received an alert that there was some kind of mechanical failure with their helicopter, and he called me to let me know. We came straight here from the hospital to let you know."
"They're alright, though… right?" Garia asked.
Matt looked down and shook his head. "We don't know much right now. There's a sandstorm going on down there right now, so they haven't been able to send out any search and rescue."
Brooklyn looked over his shoulder at the horizon. "There's still a few hours of night left," he pointed out, looking back to Matt. "How soon can you get the jet fueled up?"
Matt nodded. "David said he'd send someone back for you if you needed to stay."
Brooklyn shook his head. "No. I think we've done what we need to do here, and if Goliath needs us…" he shrugged. "We'll leave with you now."
Matt gave a jerky nod. "alright. We'll meet you at the airfield. The way Xanatos drives, even on the other side of the road," he grimaced, "We'll beat you there."
As Matt turned and hurried back to the car, those foreign to this country watched as before Matt's door was shut, the tires were spinning and the sports car shot down the hill and out of sight.
Selah and Lyra approached the group, Bronx at their side. "What has happened?" she asked, worry showing plain on her features.
"I'm afraid that we're going to have to leave, lass," Hudson said.
"Some of our friends are missing and may be hurt," Brooklyn said. "We need to go. Now."
"What can we do to help?" Selah asked.
"Just point us in the direction of the airport," Brooklyn said.
Lyra shook her head, turned, and gave one, high pitched whistle. In an instant, the entire clan surrounded them.
"Our new friends here have to get to the airport in a hurry. Let's give them an escort, shall we?" Lyra called out, and the Emerald Isle clan gave a rousing cheer. With a wave to the humans, the gargoyles took a running start at the cliffs and lifted high into the night sky. Piper grabbed Bronx, and they were all airborne. Turning to the north, Selah led the way as the rest of the Irish clan surrounded their visitors. That was as much for protection as much as for guidance to the four unfamiliar with this land.
"This way," Selah pointed a few minutes later to a large blank space on the horizon. The jet's engine came to life with a roar, its lights came to life.
Suddenly, the lights in the few small buildings began to turn on. The outdoor flood lights came on, as well as the blinking landing strip guides of the small private airfield.
The area glowed brightly now and gave the gargoyles a larger target.
Which had been the point, Matt thought with satisfaction as the few airport landing area employees began scrambling to turn on every available light source.
When he spotted the flying group, he turned and hurried aboard the jet.
The gargoyles landed, Garia immediately scampering on board with Bronx not far behind. Brooklyn and Hudson became aware of extra footfalls on the pavement behind them.
Looking over their shoulders, they saw that most of the clan had stopped on the outer edge of the tarmac, but Lyra and Harmony were still running.
"We're comin' with ye," Lyra said.
"What?" Brooklyn said, puzzled.
"We're comin' to America with ye," Harmony said with a grin. "Save ye a trip to come get us later for the council."
"No time to argue," Brooklyn said.
"Come on then," Hudson said, forgoing the stairs and leaping straight up. He held a hand out and assisted the three of them on board."
Matt looked behind, surprised to see the additions. "Does this thing have a weight limit?" Matt asked Xanatos.
"Not sure," David said grimly. "But I guess we're going to find out."
As Brooklyn pulled the door shut, Xanatos pushed the throttle, and they were rocketing toward the end of the runway.