Chapter 2: Chapter 2
The winter solstice didn’t mean anything more to me than the longest night of the year. Obviously for Grandda, it meant something more.
“It’s a time of rebirth, ye ken? The sun reclaims her place in the sky, and the frozen earth begins to warm. The Oak King is in charge again.” Grandda’s Scottish was coming out, as it usually did when he spoke of the old ways. He’d lived in Upstate New York for more than sixty years, and his accent had diminished with each one that passed. Every now and again, though, that soft burr would make itself known in his words. I loved hearing it. But I also knew that meant he was serious. “I have a present for ye.”
He placed his hand on a small wooden box on the table between us and then handed it over. It was maybe only four inches by six inches and the light-blond color of ash, varnished and smooth. I took it with the reverence it deserved.
The hinged top was engraved with three runes I couldn’t read. Could Grandda? Probably. I was going to ask him what it meant, but the look on his face stopped me. He was all seriousness and concentration. It wasn’t the time. Maybe I could google it later.
“Thank you.”
Grandda grunted. “Open it.”
It took me a second to comply. There was a tension in the air, a heaviness that underscored the importance of the gift. My first instinct was to dismiss it, but I knew that would be foolish. Grandda hadn’t called me in there for some silliness. I took a deep breath and lifted the lid
The pocket watch inside was old and scarred, its gold finish nicked and scratched. It had lost most of its shine and was dull with age and use. I carefully lifted it and turned it over in my hand. The family crest was etched on the back—a belt in a circle with five arrows in the center, tied together with a ribbon. The words Aonaibh ri Chiele, which translated to Unite, should have been at the top of the circle, but they were so worn I could barely make them out.
“Oh, Grandda. It’s beautiful, but I can’t—”
“Ye can. Ye will.” He reached out a hand, gnarled with age though still strong, clasped mine and closed it over the watch. “It’s yours now, Rory. It’ll help you sort your life.”
I refrained from scoffing but only just. I didn’t think an old pocket watch was going to help me “sort my life,” but I knew better than to argue. It would be in poor taste and an insult to my grandfather to make fun of his gift. Not that I actually wanted to because the sentimentality of it, having something that was once his and obviously well-loved, was more touching than I could say.
I nodded. “Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”
“I know ye will.” He cleared his throat and sat back.
I pressed the little button, and the top popped open. The second hand ticked steadily across the face. The numbers were faded a bit but still very visible. It took me a second to realize what I was seeing.
“Is that the right time?” I glanced up at the clock on the mantel to confirm it and jumped to my feet, barely catching the box before it tumbled off my lap and to the floor. “Crap. Grandda, I gotta go. I’m on overnights this week.”
He nodded, and I was certain he knew that, too. The family dinner had been great, and we had it earlier than normal just so I could come, but it was almost seven. If I didn’t hurry, I was going to be late. I tucked the watch in the pocket of my scrub shirt and then patted it. Its unfamiliar weight was somehow soothing.
I hugged Grandda, and he kissed the side of my head and pushed me toward the door. I’d have to make my goodbyes quick—hugs and kisses all around—if I wanted to make it across town in fifteen minutes. If the traffic lights were with me, I would barely make it. 2
I was five minutes late punching in, but since Lorelei always liked to linger after her shift, it wasn’t a big deal. As a bonus the night was quiet, with only a few phone calls and no emergencies. I liked those nights the best, even if they meant I was bored out of my skull.
To combat the boredom, I spent the last hour of my shift making sure everything was clean, tidy, and ready to go for the morning crew. I even had a pot of coffee prepared in the break room. I knew the early people would appreciate it. I certainly did when the positions were reversed.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone