Chapter Twenty-Two

It's four hours from Kennewick to Olympia by road, so the volunteers set off before dawn, Ramona again chauffeuring, with the Freed tagging along — not only being useful, she told me, but amused to return visits by the governor and several state senators. And as KEPR told everyone First People were heading to Olympia as well, feeding a large but well-behaved crowd outside the capitol. Many were in leathers and feathers, making for a colourful show, and I'd been right about Sunday's soundbite because there were banners saying THE DROWNED YEARS ARE OVER, others adding SACRED SPACE IS SACRED. There was also a LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE SALMON, for which I'd bet Coyote was responsible, and some were just images, Medicine Wolf and Elder Spirits, needing no words.

Andrea had appointed herself executive PA for the day, co-ordinating with governors, and the Oregon legislature got green points by making their journey up I-5 in three hydrogen-cell coaches with strong words about carbon footprints. Mary had lined up a radio interview, and though I had to hold back detail I could fix in people's minds what was happening today, and why, beating the Celilo Falls drum and insisting on the intense sacramental concerns of the crowd in Olympia. It was a long while since there'd been a major rally by First People, so media interest was building fast, helped by other interviews — a serene Jim Alvin and earnest Dan Strongbear among them. Jim was asked if Elder Spirits would be showing up, and shrugged, saying they did as they would, and there was no need as I held their delegated authority. I looked at my ever-grinning father.

"Is that right?"

"Pretty much. I'll work that crowd some — they deserve a treat after travelling so far — but we're all busy, thanks to you, and you don't need me to deal with those politicians."

"Un huh. Work the crowd how?"

"Who knows? Will you get a vote today?"

I waggled a hand. "Politicians do love to yack on, but the joint session will be quorate and has given itself the power to decide."

There was little precedent for state legislatures holding joint sessions, but with the river marking the interstate boundary under discussion it made sense to everyone, and the Man's strongly expressed approval had eased it along. Adam tended to think twice as many politicians made for four times as many delays, and while that was usually true I thought we'd done enough softening-up that they could be goosed.

"Mmm. Force it if you have to, democratic daughter. Delays will have the crowd feeling sullen, while a win will set them dancing."

Andrea agreed. "I've spoken to members of all four houses, and they know making a decision is urgent, Mercy, so I think you'll be able to push them. You're very good at making what you want work as solutions."

I gave her a look. "Right." And Coyote another. "Just don't get anyone arrested, please, great guru. Unless it's Yapping Dog, I suppose."

Coyote laughed. "That was a good one. I doubt he'll show his face again. And I'm off — I want a word with Owl, who's playing hard to get. Later."

I idly wondered why Owl might be doing that, but he was inscrutable at the best of times, and the avatars of his I'd met much the same, so I let Andrea run me though my speech again. She knew I was in general better served by winging it, but with legislators being asked to make decisions having details in the right order mattered, and we made a few adjustments that didn't mess up the PowerPoint sequence but did clarify logic. I didn't have the butterflies I'd expected, probably because after the audiences I'd been dealing with of late an assembly of lawmakers was not so frightening, and I really had grown used to being on screens nationwide. Even so some of the arrangements Andrea had made brought me up short: a KEPR team would be waiting on my appearance by archway, and I'd be passing through the crowd on my way in, with a police escort.

"It underlines the perception of your authority, Mercy. Your interviews are about influence. At the dam sites you had authority in the set-up, but that was private, and the public stuff mostly show, because engineering safety dictated what happened. This is different, because you really do hold authority today, human and preternatural, and you're speaking to others holding human authority as an equal. So you need to suck up the VIP treatment, because it's a lot of what defines VIPs."

"I get that, Andrea. I just don't like it." I let my mind settle, working out what was bothering me. "The security issues are going to make ordinary public contact very awkward after Friday, so while I hear you I need to keep being the coyote-girl next door."

Andrea made a note. "Another excellent slogan, Mercy." She grinned. "Vote for the Girl Next Door, with Coyote stuck in above a caret." I flapped a hand. "Just do what you do with a police escort as well as Brent."

"And wolves in both forms — Warren and Mary Jo on two legs, Auriele and George on four. Adam's getting antsy."

"Better and better. Closely attendant four-legged wolves are very photogenic." That was unarguable, though not everyone liked what they stared at. "When are they due?"

"Eleven-thirty. George is on early shift, and by cloak it'll only take a minute." I checked my watch. "I'll go change."

The cloak had coped with the difficulty wolves on four legs had in holding fast by developing stalks with bulbous ends, that appeared at need and could rest comfortably in a lupine mouth. All of the pack had by now made journeys by cloak, but none much liked it, so I hadn't intended to stop but when we entered the Garden of Manannán's Death Skuffles was there. I saw what she was gazing up at and came to a dead halt, feeling a blush rise. Warren, Mary Jo, Brent, and Andrea saw it too.

"Slight delay, Auriele, George, and something you should have a look at." Warren's voice was a murmur. "Mercy's fame just spread some more."

You could say, but as I felt wolves let go of the cloak and pad forward I was still staring, Manannán's Bane hot in my hand, as Carnwennan's bone hilt to my touch. Underhill had been serious about an ice sculpture — a very large ice sculpture, that breathed invigorating coolth into the heat of the Garden, and the ice held realistic colours I didn't think were glamour, though how it worked I hadn't a clue. Much less pleasingly, what it showed was me holding Manannán mac Lír by magic, iron, and silver — a glittering pack-bond biting deeply into the flesh around his mouth, looping to me on one side and trailing off in air on the other, his Bane piercing his neck and Carnwennan his breast, above my wide mouth calling on justice. It was a reply to my name for the fountain, I realised, disparate heights echoing the upward slope of water. And we were both as naked as we truly had been, though he'd been left bare while I'd been granted an intimate twine of fig-leaves that did nothing to obscure my butt or breasts. My coyote-paw tattoo was present and correct, with assorted scars, while the frontal fig-leaves were little better than a G-string. Manannán's green eyes and seaweedy hair were exact, as beautiful in ice as they should have been when he lived, even as he towered above me and was violently denied. Shouting "Gah!" Underhill seemed unwise, and Skuffles nudged my side.

I'm only sorry I didn't see the event. Try some photos, will you?

"Not a chance, Skuffles, and no photography by anyone else either. There's enough photoshopped porn already and that is … under-figleafed."

"Un huh." Warren nodded soberly. "Hear you, Mercy, but you need to bring Adam and Jesse to see it."

"I do?"

"You bet. I heard you tell Bran what you did that day, and tried to imagine it …" His eyes were full of emotions I couldn't name. "This matters, Mercy. Angus is spot on about your hanging tough."

"It says you were cool as well as brave, Mercy." Andrea had a blinding smile. "Underhill truly does honour you, twice over now, and she's right to do so." There was a chime, and Andrea bobbed a curtsey. "Mercy's still absorbing it, Underhill, but I am so glad of your art. Honour where honour is due. And Mercy, think about it, because you've already busted the nudity taboo — those images are out there, everyone knows it, and no-one gives a damn except to curse Cantrip and MacLandis. I wouldn't suggest you make any image of this widely available, but I think the Fae's DC embassy should let real scholars see it somehow — not necessarily a visit, but, I don't know what's possible, a glamoured copy maybe?" She gestured to the fountain. "That rebuke to the dead could not exist if you and Manannán's Bane and Carnwennan had not done what you did. The statue praises them as well as you."

That was true, but I still had very mixed feelings. Being a shapeshifter involves a lot of nudity, communal as often as not, and with my Anglo half that had pretty much knocked out Amerindian modesty, but Adam's possessive side extended to whose gaze could linger on what, and the hostile distribution of the video of Tim raping me still stirred very primitive emotions. Yet it wasn't until after Manannán's power had been stripped from him and I'd relaxed a little that my snatched-from-the-shower nudity had begun to bother me, and even then it had been diluted by acute awareness that however male ap Lugh and other Gray Lords might be, they were no kind of human and had gazed at me with a remote power far removed from ogling. Human eyes, though … and that thought twined unhappily with another, that while I'd never had the looks or figure to attract casual male desire, power was for most an aphrodisiac. Lots of models and actresses were not, to my eye, spectacularly beautiful or self-evidently desirable, but being on catwalk or screen — or national stage — bestowed enthralling glamour, with a matching desire to strip with eyes that fuelled vile photoshopping. Ask Emma Watson, poor woman. I put dominance into my voice, feeling wolves hear it.

"Maybe so, Andrea, but none of you will speak of this statue to anyone without my express permission. I'll talk to Adam and Jesse, Warren, and recognise that all Fae will know, with anyone I take anywhere by cloak. But I have issues here I need to sort on my own, and with Adam, before either of us have to deal with anyone else." I took a deep breath, turning slightly. "Underhill, I acknowledge the honour you do me, yet ask without incurring obligation that fae know it should not be revealed to any human without my let. If this puzzles you, please consider that one name for this statue would be Naked Mercy Killing."

There was another chime, which reassured me, though a number of conversations were going to be necessary, and despite sidelong looks from Andrea and wolves in both forms I got everyone back to holding the cloak and gave the GPS co-ords Andrea had worked out. Skuffles lay down again, staring at the statue, and I suppressed a harrumph, more or less, because if we hadn't been on a schedule I might have stayed and stared as well. I don't go in for vanity, much, but no-one had ever sculpted me before.

My watch kept accurate Overhill time, somehow, so I knew we were on cue, but the blast of noise as we emerged from the arch had me quite forgetting giant nude ice me. Jim had wrangled himself and Calvin inside the police perimeter, and had a tannoy while a KEPR team had a camera and boom mike in my face.

"Ms Hauptman, Trish Flanagan, KEPR. This is quite the reception you're getting."

I summoned a smile. "Isn't it, Ms Flanagan? Celilo Falls matter a great deal to everyone here." As my words thundered from the tannoy, silence fell. "Jim, Calvin, good to see you. Jim, I think you know everyone, but Calvin, meet Warren, Mary Jo, and Brent, while my four-footers are Auriele and George."

We did greetings, mikes avidly sucking it up, and my worries slid away. This dance I knew, and swung my attention out, conscious it was my dangerous Da and Thunderbird's feather that commanded this crowd.

"Thank you, everyone, for your confidence. We've beaten expectations in reaching an agreed settlement among First People and preternaturals, and now we need to persuade the legislatures that what we've fixed on is workable, equitable, and right for all. As it is all those things, and our legislators are sensible North-Westerners, that shouldn't be too hard, but please remember that if it happens as we hope, a lot of people will be due thanks, and however you cut it only one of them is me."

Jim gave an austere smile. "True, She Doesn't Only Fix Cars, but some have led and some followed. As the senior medicine man of the Yakama Nation present, I confirm that we endorse all this avatar of Coyote, known to Anglos as Mercy Hauptman, says. So do Elder Spirits, as Thunderbird's crowning feather attests. As I who see them can swear, spirits dance for you this day. Go now with our blessing to reclaim the Sacred Space stolen from us amid the exigencies of war."

Jim's gesture reminded me of Charles, a spirit thing beyond my magics, and there was no answering that speech anyway, so I nodded to him deeply and set off towards the capitol, camera and mike retreating before me with Ms Flanagan. Auriele and George flanked me, heads swinging, but the crowd was all goodwill, and now quieter than Anglos would have been. The police line was more decorative than necessary, and when I passed an Amerindian sergeant I paused to offer thanks to the Olympia PD in Salish, adding that I hoped they'd go easy on any public dancing. I got a promise with a grin, and a sincere statement of hope, also in Salish, that had the crowd murmuring agreement. Going on I offered the mike a translation, to underscore the specific importance of the Falls as well as the general issue of re-emergent land, and at the top of the steps turned and gave the crowd a bow, acknowledging it was for them I would be speaking.

Jenny had told me about arguments regarding security, which had involved pointing out the Secret Service let me wear Carnwennan in the Man's presence and wolves could not check teeth at the door. However she'd done it there were no problems, and both governors were waiting to greet me. They eyed Auriele and George when I introduced them, but said nothing out of place, and Washington apologised for not having an up-to-date AV system. I thought it was interesting most state as well as the federal legislative chambers still lacked the obvious way of illustrating arguments, and genuine discussion took us through a maze of corridors to the crowded chamber. The screens had been set up behind the Speaker's daïs, and a title-slide announced the extraordinary joint session to consider riparian land issues. Andrea stopped off with volunteers running the superprojector, while I collected the remote and hardcopy of my bullet-points before following governors to the daïs. Other volunteers and the Freed were in the packed gallery, with Penny and her team, and I gave them a smile as I took the chair to which I was directed, facing massed representatives and senators. My wolves arrayed themselves around me.

However extraordinarily, all four houses were in session, with all Speakers present. Oregon was the older state and had graciously done the travelling so their senate speaker was in charge and gavelled everyone to order, running through legalities recognising unusual circumstances with provisions for lawfulness of the assembly, and formally welcoming me and the governors. Technically the legislatures had invited me to address them, but the speakers remitted introducing me, so Washington and Oregon did that, and despite some embarrassment I made myself note what they picked out or let pass, feeling more pleased than not about the balance of First People and preternatural that came through. Then I was on, wolves shifting as I went to the speaking spot, setting Manannán's Bane down and asking the cloak to fold itself back.

Courtesy matters, so I started with thanks for the invitation, nodding to governors and speakers, and adding my formal authorities granted by the Yakama Nation and Elder Spirits, before setting things out to be seen as I wanted. The Columbia Restoration needed no rehashing for this audience, but the succession of maps and charts had them intent, and despite everything they hadn't realised it was not only First People and a few Anglos reclaiming re-emergent land, but Elder Spirits. I spent a few minutes stressing how potentially insane the whole issue could become, the miserly federal compensation having gone directly to some individuals and families, but also to tribal councils for apportioning, with a fun detour into the boggling complexity of inheritance among different tribes, before assuring them agreement in principle had been reached, and laying out the basic deal of reversion to the status quo ante, inheritance flowing as it would had the land never been drowned. Maps showed new topography — Medicine Wolf was quite taken with computer graphics and had been very helpful in providing data about bits still underwater — while full lists of owners, whether state or federal governments (Hanford Reach would expand a little), individuals, or tribal authorities, with specified boundaries and township numbers, had already gone digitally to governors, and were available in hard copy from Andrea if anyone needed to check a particular claim. I could see general acceptance, and moved to step two.

"I hope you all accept this as a just and equitable solution, and as getting so many tribes and kinds to agree so many details was not simple I took it as my job to find answers to the two major problems it generates, which concern finance and Celilo Falls."

The finance was another clearly fair deal, but the legislators hadn't expected me to have spoken with state treasurers of all Basin states, Canadians via the Man, and (ditto) senior people at the Fed, nor to lay out a fully drafted law about long-term, low interest loans with federal backing. Adam said Cantrip had given me a habit of doing incompetent officials' job for them, but if you want to push lawmakers into a particular and complex act, giving them detailed plans is necessary, and I did. The repayment-of-compensation issue had caused moaning and groaning, but the land had been drowned for seven decades, so 50% was OK. Loans were no skin off anyone's nose, the work was done, so why not? And on to strike three. I brought up a slide showing the boundaries of the Sacred Space.

"The second problem, with Celilo Falls, is because this area, including re-emergent land immediately adjoining the Falls and land in Wishram and Celilo Village, with Carlisle Spring, extending to Oregon's SR143, is claimed by Elder Spirits. All human owners are First People, who recognise the claim, the only other owners are state or federal government by default, and Elder Spirits will proceed in any case. They dwelt there with First People for more than 15,000 years and will be moving back in. Medicine Wolf will irrigate a microclimate, so vegetation will become significantly denser, and most Elder Spirits intend to have children living there — wolves, grizzlies, coyotes, cougars, bobcats, elk, and rattlers, as well as animals that don't usually kill people. So the problem is this stretch of I84 and the railroad, because they run through Sacred Space and stopping to gawp at animals is going to be a good way of getting eaten.

"I realise this may come as a shock, but Medicine Wolf and Elder Spirits are of another order than humans or werewolves, and now all are out, and deeply involved in the Columbia Restoration, they have decided to take Celilo Falls back. They do so not only for themselves, and for First People, but for all preternatural communities of both states and the wider Basin, inviting avatars, wolves, fae, and manitou to regard their Sacred Space as a place to meet in strictly observed peace. No human, nor the Marrok, nor Gray Lords, can command otherwise, even if any wished to, and while there are limits to what I may say, both the Marrok and Prince Gwyn ap Lugh have gladly accepted the invitation. So I took all that as given, seeking ways to make it easier for all and defend human interests."

That was on the sneaky side, but everyone prefers being done favours to paying bills. First People would pay for fencing, Wolves and Fae would undertake it and reforestation at cost, Elder Spirits would ensure four-legged children and rattlers stayed within, particular care would be taken in and around Wishram, as with stray children, and Medicine Wolf had generously agreed to help re-route road and railway. The engineering slides shifted shocked silence to interested surprise, and the costing produced exclamations of disbelief I countered by explaining what Medicine Wolf was willing to do, and how fast, before dangling its putative willingness to help with other construction that could do with a lower carbon footprint as well as a smaller budget. The seemingly absurd demand was aligned with the whole co-operative effort already seen to work very efficiently with dam removal; the only cost would be tarmac, signage, and lighting, and though on paper Oregon's responsibility, plenty of Washingtonians preferred I84 to the Lewis and Clark Highway on the north bank, which ran away from the river to bypass Wishram, so I hoped Washington would be willing honourably to share it; and the whole was another level of human–preternatural co-operation benefitting all.

And not only did I do the whole thing completely straight, without a hint of the laughter I felt at pulling the switch-around, and its honesty despite everything, I had the cloak on. I wouldn't do anything magically underhand to any legislature, but I was trying hard to be persuasive, to make full agreement not simply logical and possible but the virtuous path of least resistance, and there was some subtle magical boosting going on — siren nudges, maybe, with Thunderbird's feather adding in. George's and Aurielle's unblinking watchfulness on either side didn't hurt either. Of course states couldn't just move roads and railways whenever someone demanded it, but there was only one Celilo Falls so it wasn't a precedent. And wasn't being gracious, even generous, better than annoying everyone already signed up? Which included the Man, who promised new federal legislation to back their decision with regard to any federal claim.

As a finale I laid before them a full draft of what I was asking them to adopt and pass, in three parts enshrining reversion to the status quo ante allowing Anglo and recognised tribal means of inheriting ownership, the loan-scheme, and recognition of the Celilo Falls Sacred Space, relinquishing all state claims and specifying it be administered in perpetuity by the Yakama Nation on behalf of Elder Spirits.

"So there it is, ladies and gentlemen — a single bill that is just and equitable, offering all Basin states a clear and righteous model I believe they will be happy to follow, and that all First People, very many your constituents, strongly endorse, as do Medicine Wolf, Elder Spirits with avatars, and the Marrok. In so far as it concerns them, the Gray Lords strongly welcome and approve these proposals." I decided wryness was alright. "You get two free tunnels, a deal of other free engineering, and a staggering amount of very positive publicity, while the total cost is a few miles of four-lane tarmac with signs and lights, and the same of railtrack, plus new footings for a bridge, so I hope the decision isn't so hard."

There was relieving laughter, which was fine, but I had one more punch to deliver and let passion into my voice, the cloak gusting roses.

"And one thing more. The Medicine Wolf Accords were not only new — they renewed agreement between the US and the Fae, re-affirming honour and mutual respect in our dealings, to the great benefit of all. And this too, by your joint and collective grace, can be a renewal, sorely needed, of the 1855 treaty that was expediently and shamefully broken. The dam that drowned Celilo Falls was needed to power Hanford, now cleansed of its pollution as the Falls will be restored to the sky and spirits. Both Elder Spirits and First People reassert themselves, so we of these two states, joined not divided by the Columbia, can renew the understanding between First Peoples, who have dwelt here for far longer than there has been a United States, and all who now dwell here, human and preternatural. As a representative of First People, I ask you pass this bill today. But as a voter and citizen, an avatar of Coyote speaking for Elder Spirits and Medicine Wolf, Elf-friend and Troll-friend, I demand it of your honour, as of my own. So does every one of the First People who stand outside this building today. You whom we elected, by your oaths of office do now right, and restore to both our states honour and fealty to truth, wiping out the stain forced on your predecessors, and on us all. Thank you for listening, and may God bless you and be with you this day."

Ramona swore later that applause and cheering started on the floor, among legislators who came to their feet, not in the gallery, but wherever it was it surprised me as I turned from the mikes. I'd expected to leave them to get on with it, but with governors and speakers all standing I had to endure it. I filed under useful practice, offering smiles, but after a minute which felt like an eternity and was threatening facial cramp, I tried my volume slider and to my relief it worked.

"It's very kind of you, ladies and gentlemen, but you have discussing to do and, I hope, a bill to adopt and pass, while the governors and I need to talk about timing."

I gave the senior Speaker a deep nod he acknowledged, turned, and this time got a few steps before a familiar sense had me spinning to see Coyote pop into existence where I'd been standing. He was coyote-headed but only so no-one could doubt identity, and morphed human with a solemn face, holding up a hand.

"How, massed legislators of the Pacific North-West. I don't have an invitation, and I do have lots of things to do today, so I'll keep it short and sweet." He jerked a thumb in my direction. "What she said. And swiftly, please. Farewell."

And he disappeared. I couldn't stop my laugh, setting off more from floor and gallery, though there was shock among it, and shook my head.

"I can't say don't mind him, Mr Speaker, because ignoring Elder Spirits is never wise, but do please reassert proper procedure. He's just doing his bit to keep you all honest, while providing a soundbite."

And manufacturing another campaign poster, I'd bet, but that could wait, so I let the freaked-but-concealing-it governors escort me and the wolves out, pausing to thank volunteers, return the remote, and collect Andrea. Coyote had hit the mark with them, as shining eyes and wide, wide grins attested, but what he'd done to the massed legislators of the Pacific North-West except goose them mightily I was less sure. Once we were out some corridor-mazing brought us to the governor's office, and Mary Jo and George joined security at the door, while Warren, Auriele, and Brent stayed with me. Oregon eyed them.

"Are you always this well guarded, Ms Hauptman?"

"Pretty much, these days, ma'am. It connects to that other matter neither I nor the President can yet discuss."

"Huh." Washington shook his head. "Your contacts are seriously impressive, Ms Hauptman. So was that speech." He looked at Oregon. "Odds they won't adopt and pass today?"

"Nil. Even moving I84 and the railroad plus bridge." She too shook her head. "How you made doing that a positive is for the books. Free tunnels?"

"Yup, and road foundation, which'll take Medicine Wolf maybe a day each, it thinks, so I wasn't joking about timing. The whole thing can be done before the Falls re-emerge. You're both invited to the Sacred Space when they do, as are the President and Secretary Sawyer, and we'll have definite dates very soon."

"Before the …" Oregon stared. "Oh dear Lord, you're serious."

"Un huh, ma'am. The animals will be there as soon as, so getting it done is good, and it really should be only surfacing, signage, and lighting needed. A score of those big laying machines, and a joint workforce for the rest, with troll muscle available. No real problem, surely?"

Oregon stared some more. "I don't think I want to know what you'd consider a real problem, Ms Hauptman, but no, I suppose not, if we pull machines off other sites for a concerted effort."

"Excellent, thanks, ma'am. And you already know what I consider real problems — Cantrip, Gray Lords trying to kill me, Hanford, to name only ones I've fixed. This is just logistics. And I bet if you each tell a bunch of civil engineers they can come see Medicine Wolf open tunnels if they supply at least one asphalting machine and a truck, you'll find yourself hip-deep in them before you can say blinding state efficiency."

Andrea couldn't stifle a grin and Auriele had an amused glint in her eye.

"There's that." Washington's voice was very dry. "But however I84 is both here and there, or will be, what we're both wondering, Ms Hauptman, and doubly so after that display of oratory, vision, and power, is some other timing. We both think you will, tomorrow, be at least trailing a presidential candidacy, and that if you stand you will win both our states by a landslide of historic proportions, regardless of who wins either of our parties' nominations. We are both running for re-election, and have privately discussed your very interesting ideas about the Pacific North-West leading the national way." He took a deep breath. "So we have a problem. It would be a huge political risk for both of us, but if you stand we will have to think very hard about endorsing you."

Thanks to Mary and the Man I'd seen this coming, and nodded. "I get that, sir, ma'am. Is this office surveilled?"

"It is, but the system's off."

"And are you willing to give oaths to keep anything I say closely secret until it's public, meaning tomorrow for some, next week for the rest?"

They were, so I hauled out my phone and sent a message. While I waited on a reply I told them what I'd be saying tomorrow, and was just about done, pleased by their expressions, when my phone pinged. I looked down, and turned it so they could both see.

Mr President, do you mind if I tell WA and OR whom you're willing to endorse? They're both asking me if they should do the same, and have given oaths of secrecy until tomorrow+.

Surprise. That was a hell of a speech even before your Da popped in, so I'll say it tomorrow, once you're done. Go ahead and tell them they'll be in good company.

Two deeply croggled faces were raised to me.

"Depends on your value of good, but whatever your National Committees say you wouldn't be alone, I'm hoping by some way. I have full preternatural endorsement, plus the Yakama Nation and a bunch more First People." I looked at a blinking Oregon. "You need to know about my position on gun control" — I filled them in, summarily — "and that my running-mate would be Andrea's dad, Frank Lafferty." We both filled them in, a little, though like his daughter Frank needed to be met to be truly appreciated. "And then there are these, which the Man has seen."

I flipped through a selection of Coyote's posters, ending on the River-Devil one. Oregon put a hand to her mouth.

"That's for Times Square. I'm telling you because the next to last thing you need to know is that putting myself and what I've done forward like this makes me antsy, but I'm good with it because while this whole deal is a form of insanity, I've come seriously to believe it's possible, and if it happens I really will be doing what I promise. More than one constitutional amendment, a greener, cleaner USA, a try for sensible drug and gun laws, and the Paths of Assertion and Mercy with the pedal to the metal."

I took a deep breath.

"The last thing you need to know — and Andrea, I regret not having cleared this with Frank, though I think he'll be good with it — is that if it all happens I will be endorsing Irpa, the troll, in California's twelfth federal ward and a 281-year-old werewolf for the Senate race in Kentucky, with a bunch of others, but if I have your dual endorsement I will ensure no independent candidate opposes either of you. The corollary is that we are all in line about the basics. Endorse me if you will, but if you do you are endorsing the major policies I will be advocating, whatever your parties decide about any of them. Bluntly, I welcome allies, but I am preternatural, and my bottom line is making our sworn words to the Fae, Marrok, Medicine Wolf, and Elder Spirits our bone-deep and unbreakable bond. If the Pacific North-West leads, it also leads in restoring honesty."

I wanted their assent, and I'd seen my blows go home, from the Man's swift response and Coyote's posters to the implications of Irpa and the bicentenarian. When I was done they looked at one another for a long moment, before Oregon offered a hand Washington took, and they both offered hands to me, that I took while my coyote backbrain yipped in circles. In that moment two lifetimes of party loyalty disappeared for the common good, as well as regional and personal advantage, and I knew more than two individuals had shifted — endorsement by the Man and two local governors of different sexes and parties would ring a cathedral of bells. I almost got solemn about it, but news a vote had been called had us all moving, and with unanimous passage through all four chambers achieved at a stroke I gave them a taster by using the Freed to dragoon a public, joint signing-into-law on the steps of the capitol, legislators arrayed around beaming governors. After which any amount of First People partying broke out, and there was a great deal of good chaos.

Very much later I found myself lying on the grass in the Garden of Manannán's Death, head pillowed on Skuffles's flank while Adam and Jesse stared at the ice statue. Underhill hadn't shown up, but Gwyn ap Lugh had passed through with warm words, and Irpa was sitting cross-legged beside me, telling me about Dave Lemieux, who'd heard her say to KEPR she'd once dropped her glamour at a Dead gig, and dug up footage showing it. It had been at the Avalon Ballroom, and she had, after a blinking look from a Deadhead beside her, been offered a joint she'd taken with a shrug.

"Doesn't do much for me in that small a quantity, Mercy, but he was being friendly."

"Not a problem, Irpa. Adam doesn't approve on duty, but that's about military alertness. You could always say you did inhale but didn't notice."

She grinned. "Good one. I thought it was worth any negativity because it shows I really was resident in Haight-Ashbury then. And he said he'd asked Bob and the others, and they're all fine with us using 'Truckin'' and anything we fancy. Did you know they did a tee of Purity bopping to 'Scarlet Begonias' while eating one, and tithed to her properly?"

"Yes, actually. They asked Jenny about it. I meant to order one but lost track."

"Happens. I snagged several, and they're good with me glamouring one, but I'll ask Dave to put some aside for you and Jesse. Adam?" He turned. "Want a Grateful Dead tee with Purity bopping to 'Scarlet Begonias'?"

"Surely." He and Jesse came over, and after checking with Skuffles, lay down beside me, gazing at the statue. "But that … amazement, now. When you told me about it I thought I'd be foaming, and Warren had concerns. So did George. But Auriele and Mary Jo told me it was cool, as did Andrea, with stuff I didn't quite follow about it being a wonderful reflection of your awesomeness that now makes fine sense. And though Jesse is so not going to hear this, it's seriously hot. Finding, applying, and peeling away fig-leaves is going to be fun."

"Tchaa." I batted at his arm, but only gently. Anything more would have disturbed my mellow. "Pervert."

"If you say so, love."

"Pish. At least half the point is to give me a very good reason not to bring humans through as often as would be convenient." Adam and Jesse stared. "Hey, never doubt it. Nothing is simple here. Another half is balance, and a third dissing Manannán again, because the duckpond was a washout on account of ducks not doing well Underhill. I'm still thinking about the fourth and fifth halves, but one is to do with more uphill justice times our respective heights."

"Huh. You are on a roll today."

"Oh yeah. Roll on tomorrow." Idle thoughts sparked zinging connection. "More importantly, I might have solved a problem we've been wrestling with."

Using our matebond I passed Adam, and on a side channel Skuffles, who relayed to Irpa, a careful sequence of images, and felt his immediate resistance fade as he took it in. Skuffles and Irpa were laughing in unholy cacophony, and polite refusals to enlighten Jesse annoyed her no end and only made them laugh harder. Adam wasn't so hysterical, but had growing amusement at the many angles it offered.

"You know or think it's possible, love?"

"Think, and bet. Magic follows intent."

"Yeah, it does. She'll play ball?"

"Ditto. She did the escalating."

"Huh."

"One thing." I took out my phone. "You take the pics, and explain them to Bran, Charles, and Samuel." Adam's face showed abrupt consternation. "Exactly. I'll tell my dancing Da, which I count a bargain well in your favour."

Irpa and Skuffles laughed even harder, and Adam stared before nodding sharply.

"Deal."