Waves in the Wind (43 page)

I leaned back, stretching my arms, feeling them tingle as their stiffness dissipated. “You, Morrigan, never cease to surprise me.”

“Yes? You never cease to frustrate me, my Ossian. I ask this simple thing of you. Rise and walk away from Brendan’s bedside. Do it. Leave this man’s fate in the hands of his god.”

Her words tore at my soul, rekindled memories of flaming skies, tempted me to do as she asked. Yet, even beyond my personal honor as a Druid, walking away was not so simple as she suggested. “I have no future beyond Brendan’s boat. You know that. Have you not warned me more than once that remaining here in Eire would be foolish? I must go. Across the western sea lies whatever future the gods ordained for me.”

There was wistfulness in her words. “Oh, Ossian. What you say is true, though I hate the thought of it. If only you could remain here that we might…”

I longed to know all she might add, but lacked the courage to ask it. Her voice firmed. “So, Brendan will sail, and you will be aboard his boat. What will you do if he actually arrives at Tír na nÓg?”

It was a question I had asked of myself many times. “If that be the case, long before he lands the Staff of Nuada shall destroy his boat and all aboard it.”

“All, Ossian? Knowing your friends and you shall perish as well?”

My shoulders sagged under the wretched weight of an unforgiving burden. “I will fulfill my promise to the Lordly Ones to protect Tír na nÓg, so yes, Morrigan…all.”

* * *

Brendan continued to improve with the coming of day. As I ministered to him, often my thoughts turned to the Morrigan. Was it possible she grew to care for me as a man? At times her words seemed to…ach. I flushed at my wishful imaginings and dared not speak them aloud even to myself. She was a queen among the Lordly Ones. The gods would rightly deem my thoughts impertinent vanities.

My eyelids began to droop before Tobias arrived. Brendan required a continuance of the same care, so I gave the monk detailed instructions before stumbling off to collapse in my crude hut. There I remained enjoying untroubled dreams until the sun was high.

Goban seemingly always maintained a pot of hot stew, so I stopped by for a bowl and a friendly word before returning to Brendan’s bedside. There was little change and, since Tobias was willing, I took the opportunity to free myself, knowing at once where I would go.

The mountain loomed above me. It was there I met her last. I hurried along the narrow upward-winding trail bordered by hedgerows of spiny, head-high gorse, hope pounding in my chest.

The clearing opened before me, and there the stone where we talked side by side. I hurried to the stone and sat upon it, swallowing back the hope that rose in my throat.

A breeze carried the salty aroma of the sea while a lark hiding within nearby shrubbery trilled to the early afternoon sun. A vast panorama spread before me: the craggy headland across the rippling bay, low gray clouds where the sky met the western sea.

There I remained, alone with my poor thoughts, surrounded by Mother Earth’s splendor—and she came, so quietly as not to disturb the lark.

“You wait for me?” Her low voice hinted at a chuckle.

A flush crawled up my neck as I stood and bowed. “I…that is, yes, Morrigan. It seems you…yes, I waited for you.” I kicked myself for acting like a boy caught with his finger in the honey jar.

Her violet eyes lingered on me then rose to rest upon the view. “It is lovely here. Not so very different from much of our island, but lovely just the same.”

I stepped aside so that she might sit upon
our
stone. “Yes,” I agreed as my hand swept the vista. “Has any land been so blessed by Mother Earth?”

“I think not.” She settled upon the stone, slender hands smoothing her blue gown. “There are many lands from which to choose. Yet, why is it you think your gods arrived here and are so loath to leave it?”

Now her hand swept the horizon and a rainbow arced across the bay. She laughed and clapped her hands at her own creation.

It was an enchanting moment and I was bewitched by her. Such an astonishing thing—the volatile Goddess of War and Death behaving like a playful girl. Could it be that by assuming human form she became almost human? The question was beyond my understanding or caring, for my heart melted. Would that this remarkable time together might last forever.

Perhaps it truly was her magical presence that emboldened my silly tongue. “When I see you now, in this way, Morrigan, I fear my thoughts are not those of an adoring servant.”

Her eyes twinkled within her flushed, upturned face. “You say so, little man? Have you forgotten who I am?”

“I know who you are, a queen among the mighty Sidhe. You are many things, but most important to me, you are the most delightful, beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

She rose from the stone, her face cold. “This discussion serves no purpose. You have said quite enough.”

A lump grew in my throat. Perhaps I had said too much, but words continued to fly from my mouth like wild geese. “Yes, I stand insignificant in your sight, but can no longer remain silent. Soon I leave Eire forever. We share this short time together and I muster all my courage to say that you have stolen my heart, Morrigan, as no woman ever has or will again.”

She cocked an eyebrow; her harsh laughter rang in my ears. “You think to sway me with your pretty words, mortal? I confess I find you handsome. No man ever tempted me as you have. Yes,” she nodded, “your Queen admits to being tempted. Does that surprise you?”

Chastened and feeling foolish, I bowed. “My Queen, I apologize for my impertinence. With your permission, I will return to the village. Brendan is improving and I must prepare for our departure.”

Not waiting for a dismissal, I spun on my heels to hurry away.

“No. Wait.”

Turning back, I stood before her, hands on hips.

“You are a terrible man and confuse me so.” Tears filled her eyes. “Do you think I wish to see you sail away now, my lo…?” Her hands flew to her face, covering the flush on it. She turned from me, her arm outstretched as if to push me away. “Yes, you are right. Go. You must go now, for I am the Morrigan. It is not proper that you see me thus.”

One quick stride and my arms were around her, spinning her about, my lips crushing hers. Slender arms encircled my neck as she melted against me. It was as though a thousand years passed as we remained so until her hands began pushing against my shoulders. She stepped away.

Taking my hand in hers, she led me along a faded path through dense foliage that opened into a secluded grove. Murmuring spring water swept past round, moss-covered stones. The air held the musty, moldering aroma of an ancient forest.

The Morrigan stopped and turned, offering a seductive glance as her gown fell to the woodland floor.

My robe followed though I spread it upon the leaves so that she could lie upon it. I joined her there where the heat of our passion rose and fell beneath the primeval trees.

Shadows crept along the ground as Belenos sailed across the sky. Quiet and happy we were as we laughed like excited children. Lying together tenderly following each lovemaking, we spoke of important things and small things without mention of a future together, for never was there hope for such a thing between us. There could be only the now, this moment, and I reveled in it.

While laughing at a silly comment of mine, she quieted and sat up, body rigid, face turned to the sky. She nodded as if replying to an unheard voice and looked to me, worry lining her lovely face.

“Lugh calls. I must go this instant to join all the Lordly Ones on an urgent matter. A very odd, evil presence has arrived here…” She shook her head, her puzzlement plain to see.

Nothing I cared about Lugh’s problems just then. Disappointment filled me as I sat up while she stood and hurried to don her gown.

Stepping away she smiled and blew a kiss. “Do not be troubled, my dearest one. We shall meet again before you sail.”

Amid a swirling, golden snowstorm she was gone.

* * *

“I’ve given thought to this fellow, Erc, everyone’s talkin’ about.” Torcán sipped cider from his mug as he sat at the table in Brendan’s cottage. “He killed your friend Laoidheach and later alerted the Corcu to your passage. He was behind poisonin’ Brendan. No doubt, he lurks nearby and will try again to kill one or the both of you.”

I shrugged as I placed a fresh damp cloth on the priest’s brow. “Little chance he will have. We sail when Brendan is well enough.”

“Ah, yes. But until then you are both at risk. The man’s shown he’s dangerous, and you must never allow your enemy to take the upper hand.” He shook a knowing finger towards me and winked. “Unsettle him; make him counter you, that’s the way.”

Easing back in his chair with a sigh, he crossed his outstretched legs at his ankles. “I’m thinkin’ to ask the aid of some likely lads who know the country and go search for Erc. If we find him, I’ll kill him. If not, we’ll put him on the run and upset any plans he might be makin’.”

Torcán’s words rang true. Given the chance, Erc would strike again. If it was possible to find him…yes, the warrior was experienced, relentless and the proper man for the task.

* * *

His helm glinting in the mid-morning sun, Torcán rode from the village, four mounted and armed local men trailing behind him. Woe be to Erc if he was found.

Late that afternoon, Brendan roused from his long sleep, and I had hot broth brought for him. Tobias’s hand ladled it into Brendan’s mouth, while I stood by gazing through the window.

Two riders appeared in the distance, approaching the village. Slowly they rode, and I was turning away from the view when it came to me that one of the horsemen was Torcán. Five men rode from the village, only two returned. Hairs prickled the back of my neck and a sense of foreboding swept over me as I darted through the door.

A crowd of villagers and monks gathered about the two riders as I hurried towards them. Goban jogged across the village center to join me and walk at my side.

Frowning, Torcán peered down at me from atop his horse as I stopped before him. Dust streaked his face and clothing. The rider beside him slumped, head hanging.

“We…” Torcán began and then hesitated. Face stiff, his haunted eyes swept the crowd. “Erc was waiting for us. He had two…creatures at his side. Three men are dead.”

A moan rose about us; the shrieks of wailing women filled the air. I stepped forward, grasping Torcán’s reins, desperate to capture his meaning.

In a soft voice, intended as comforting yet encouraging, I asked, “What happened, my friend? Think it through carefully and tell us.”

His chin fell to his chest where it remained for a long moment. Sobbing came from within the crowd. When his face lifted, he gazed out over the gathering. “I am so very sorry—all of it was my fault. Had I but known…” He swallowed, eyes downcast. “We searched but a short while for Erc, but he made findin’ him easy for us. He built a fire in the mountains and the smoke drew us to him. We found him standing at the entrance to a small valley. Beside him crouched two great crimson, cat-like beasts.”

Gasps and muttering commenced among the villagers. Awestruck by Torcán’s words, I waved my hand for silence that he might continue.

“Erc’s cats came upon us like flashing, snarling red streaks. Almost as tall as our horses they were and they pulled the men down. Horrible it was to….” He shook his head as if to erase the scene from his mind.

“And the two of you fled,” a voice called from the crowd.

“No.” Torcán’s eyes hardened as he found the speaker. “Three men were down when Erc called back his beasts. He permitted us to live.”

Such a thing was impossible. Enormous crimson cats he described them? No such beasts existed.

A remembrance of flaming skies above Dún Ailinne returned and I shook my head. “It is unlike Erc to offer mercy. Why didn’t he allow his beasts to kill you?”

“To deliver his message, I’m afraid.” The warrior’s lined, sad face fixed upon me. “He said you must come before him tomorrow night.” He pointed to a high mountain. “You must go there and meet him alone.” He sighed. “If you do not follow his orders exactly, he vowed to come here and turn his cats loose on the village.”

I took a step back as though his words slapped my face. To say I felt no fear would be a lie, for the thought of facing the fiend and his hideous beasts filled me with dread.

“If ye go,” Goban muttered beside me, “I go with ye.”

“No.” Torcán leaned forward in his saddle. “Ossian must go alone.”

“But that’s a stupid demand,” Goban growled. “Of course he shall do no such thing.”

“Right you are, so Ossian mustn’t go at all. Here’s how I see it…”

My mind worked while they discussed it, and finally I raised my hand. “Enough. I will go.”

Both began protesting at once but I waved them into silence. “Don’t you see? I must go. If not, Erc will fulfill his promise and bring his creatures here. Villagers will be slain and I cannot permit it. No. Erc has named the time and place for our final meeting, and I will not disappoint him.”

I forced a grin while holding back a shudder. “Have no fear. I have a plan to overcome Erc’s cunning and monstrous beasts.”

I didn’t mention the many self-doubts whispering in my ear. One thing I knew, for in truth it was the only plan I had. I would face Erc wearing my emerald robe, Nuada’s Staff firmly in my hand. My fate would rest in the hands of the gods.

Chapter 34

Erc’s Lair