The Intercessor

by Miriam Davison

  CHAPTER 9

  The word was to be sent to the clans across the country. As many houses as possible were to be sprinkled with herbs and health spells were to be said. These were not as strong as they would be when said by an intercessor, but they would ease the infection of the household. Work parties were organised to make sleighs and other methods of transport that could be used in bad weather. Muses travelled up and down the country putting ideas into the minds of mortals to make their lives easier while the uprising progressed.

  The Blue Caps, little fairies dressed as miners and sometimes seen as a blue flame, had agreed to mine coal for fuel and because of their mischievous nature, they had loved the idea of being an anti Santa Clause, and delivering the coal to households during the night.

  There were things we could be getting on with before the Samhain, and they took our minds off the impending battle and friends we may lose. Preparation was of vital importance.

  I spent a lot of my time with Hattie mixing herbs and potions; everything we could think of that we may need was made and stored. A spell was then said over them.

  Elements of wind and fire, Bring to me my heart's desire. Water, earth, my wish fulfil, Strong my magick, strong my will. Within these Elements fourfold, The power grows and so will hold.

  She handed me a big old leather bound folder, full of clipped in pages. These were spells and potions handed down over the years. 'Never stray from the words, you must say them as they are written Abigail; the power comes from the very first intercessor, and is strengthened as it passes down.' I poured over the book trying to memorize as much as possible. Some were so old, they were written on a kind of parchment, and they had faded slightly over the years, but other than that, they were in good condition.

  On one of the pages, there was a love potion, and a disgusting one at that! I wondered if any of my predecessors had used it, and shuddered at the thought. The woman must collect a drop of her menstrual blood and mix it in the drink of her loved one. Once drunk the man would love her forever, although, it did not guarantee fidelity; a further spell was needed for that. I smiled to myself. So even way back, men could not help themselves from straying.

  This book was now my bible and I would treasure it and guard it. The contents could save my life, and others, and therefore I kept it locked in a cupboard in my room. I sat thinking of how my life had changed, and how easily I had fitted in to it. In my writing, I did lots of research, and thought how even that had prepared me for looking for the right spells and potions, and finding out my enemy’s weaknesses. After all these years, I now knew what I was meant to do. I just hoped it wasn’t going to end as quickly as it had begun.

  CHAPTER 10

  The nights were drawing in really fast now and we only had a few days left with Hattie. I could feel the tension in everyone, and decided we needed to have some fun; while we still could.

  I spoke to all our friends discreetly, which was a feat in itself, as Hattie seemed to be in a hundred places at once. All were in agreement though, we worked together secretly and two days before the Samhain, everything was organised. I called Hattie into the kitchen and she was met with one huge greeting of 'Surprise!'

  The table overflowed with cakes and goodies that had been slyly made by Clax. Big urns of wine and beer were on the kitchen worktops for all to enjoy. Garlands of ivy had been hung, and table decorations had been made with wild flowers and foliage. The music began from a group of Elves and before long the Earthmen were doing what came naturally; dancing. It wasn’t long before we were all joining in.

  I could see Hattie's eyes glistening and she wiped away a tear. I knew she didn't want to leave, but at least she knew how much she meant to us, and for one day at least, she could relax and enjoy herself. She danced as though she were a young woman, and had us all singing to the music.

  The party went on long into the night, and I knew it had been a good idea. I had managed to organise the group and accomplish something on my own, granted nothing life threatening, but I felt better about myself and hopeful of being able to take up my position once the Samhain was upon us.

  At long last the gathering drifted off and I climbed into my bed. I tried not to think of being without Hattie, but my mind wouldn't let me. In two days she would be gone forever and I would be left to lead my new friends into a battle so important, that losing was not an option. They were putting all their faith in me.

  I must have fallen asleep sometime in the early hours and awoke late in the morning. I quickly washed, got dressed and went downstairs. My usual pot of tea was waiting for me and I drank it down quickly, and poured a second cup. As I was drinking this, the room began to fill. My friends seemed a little hung-over, but more relaxed than I had seen them for a while.

  Once we were all there, we talked of the party and laughed at some of the antics. All too soon though we had to get back to business, and our daily meeting began and we went over the information we had received from our scouts. The enemy had managed to enlist a few more to their army, mainly lowly creatures with not much power, but also some we had to be wary of.

  They had a Phouka, a very dangerous being from Ireland, which could take on animal form, so we had to be careful of any animal we encountered. A lot of Kelpies had joined the cause; these could take the form of horses, and were very evil. The Cu Sith had been spotted in several parts of the country. A Cu Sith was a fairy dog, but not a good one. He was large, about the size of a cow, and covered in dark green fur. He carried his tail over his back like a saddle. At night they would go out and hunt and kill humans. They were very rarely seen, and lived in areas that were mostly unpopulated, and therefore only travellers were at risk. They had been seen moving closer to small villages and this brought dread into our hearts.

  We did have a small piece of news which brought us hope, and this came from a Snotling which had been easily tricked for information.

  CHAPTER 11

  A Snotling is a small green creature, not known for his brains. They are used as slaves and given menial tasks. One of our scouts had come across one of these, and had pretended they were on the same side. He had shared food and sat and gossiped for a while, The Snotling had let slip that there was a certain amount of nervousness amongst some of the troops, and a few were only there out of fear of Dagdar. He giggled that they would change sides quicker than they would change their socks, if the battle were to go against them.

  Armed with this knowledge, we sent spies out to see if they could plant more seeds of doubt in the enemy ranks. We let it be known our ranks had grown and we were well prepared, a small lie on our part, but we had to try every trick.

  Even before Samhain, we had felt the days growing colder, much colder than was normal for that time of year. We found out little ugly elves, we humans know as Jack Frost, had been sent out early in order to prepare the ground for Cailleach Bheur. This just proved to us that our enemy was very well prepared.

  Hattie took me to one side and looked slightly hopeful. ‘You made mention in your dream the name Dagda, and the Snotling also mentioned him. I have been checking certain things, for all Dagda looks cruel, he can also be very benevolent. I couldn't understand why he should side with Epona, and stay with her when she becomes Cailleach Bheur, normally he would never go against Royal laws, as he was once a King himself. I have found out Epona sought Dagda out, and started to court him. He is well known for his prowess as a lover and could not resist showing this off to Epona.
I think, during this time, she has bewitched him, and that is why he is by her side. Her magic is very strong though, and I have had no luck in finding any spell, or potion that would remove this hex. You must continue searching for one after I have gone, as without him by her side, others will fall away and our side will have the upper hand. She has no knowledge of battle strategy and will be easier to defeat on her own.'

  I agreed to do everything I could; I wouldn’t admit I didn't know where to begin. This was not the time to show weakness, I had to put on a show of confidence. By the end of the day, Hattie would be gone and the conflict will have begun.

  We spent that last day going over all our plans again and again. We checked all our stores and made sure we had left nothing out that we would need. We had more than enough food for us, and basic ingredients. We had camp beds set out in all the rooms and even on the landing. They would not put any in my room, even though I argued. The Intercessor needed privacy for thoughts, and night time visions, they said. Luckily for us, so many of the group were small and more than one could fit on a bed. Hattie had been meticulous in every detail, and we couldn’t have done any more.

  The day was sombre, but even so, none of us wanted it to end. What was to come after didn't bare thinking about. As time does though, it moved on. The time had come for all to say our goodbyes. Hattie moved round us all, giving personal words of wisdom and good wishes to everyone. At last it was my turn.

  'My dear, don't look so upset. I can rest now, and believe me; my tired old bones are ready for that. When the light comes for me, you must stand with me and hold onto my hands, that way I can pass on my knowledge of things which can't be learned. You must feel them. Whenever you have a hunch, go with it as this will be the joint knowledge of Intercessors past, stirring within you.' She took me in her arms and continued; 'It has been a pleasure knowing you Abigail, I have a feeling you are going to be one of the best intercessors we have had. Remember, I have faith in you. Now follow me everyone, Seth has made a safe circle for my journey.' With those words she turned and led us all into the garden.

  CHAPTER 12

  Outside the cottage, herbs had been set around the garden and we gathered in a large circle. Hattie and I stood in the centre. She looked up to the sky, nodded, and then took my hands. We were instantly engulfed in a golden light. I had never seen anything so beautiful and the feeling of peace within it was almost overwhelming. I know it sounds strange, but I felt myself ageing inside. Not my body, but my mind. I was filled with euphoria, then in an instant, the light and Hattie was gone, and I stood arms still outstretched, and changed, once again, forever.

  I don't know how long we all stood there in silence, it could have been seconds, or minutes, and then I turned and headed back to the kitchen. I was now in charge, and everyone would be looking to me for answers, as they followed me back into the cottage, I silently prayed I could find those answers.

  In a couple of hours, I would be leading my friends into a crusade, I had to hope I was ready. We knew at first there would be no outward signs, except for the change in weather. We also knew though, if we were caught unprotected, we would have to fight for our lives; kill or be killed.

  I had to make them believe in me and my power to lead them as their Intercessor. I called them all to the table, letting them know we had to carry on.

  As we sat, we once again went over our individual tasks, and those of the group as a whole. We were deep in conversation when we all stopped at once. It had begun. We felt it, now we were in a battle to save ourselves and the mortal race alike.

  CHAPTER 13

  The drop in temperature was so swift; the severity of it took us all by surprise. The fire was stoked, and more oil lamps were lit, as the night seemed blacker. I looked at those around me, and I knew at that moment, I would do everything in my power to halt this vile mutiny and restore the balance. My friends were ready to give up their lives to follow me; I would not let them down.

  That night a storm grew, and the first of many blizzards began. We were well prepared, but the rest of the country, the ordinary mortal folk, would be taken by surprise. By morning we had scouts reporting an increased number of deaths and injuries among the mortals due to car crashes, hypothermia and various other things which could be put down to accidents. We knew already, the Gremlins had already begun their work, and had a lot to do with some of those 'accidents'.

  While we still could, we topped up our stores and told the troops around the country to help out anyone they could, human and fairy alike. There wasn’t much else we could do for now. Our troops did what they could and through their vigilance they managed to thwart the Gremlins on quite a few occasions. A group from Oswald’s clan had managed to avert a rather large disaster. As they look just like tall humans, when their wings are covered, they were on patrol in a shopping centre when they saw some Gremlins. They followed them in secret to the rafters of the building, where huge air conditioning and heating fans were placed. They managed to stop them as they were loosening the holding bolts. They had been too slow for one though and it did fall, crashing through the roof. It had landed on a decorative fountain at one end of the shopping centre. Screams rang out and panic followed. A few people had been injured, but no one had been killed, thank goodness for that. As the centre was so big, people on the other side of it knew nothing of what happened so the panic was quickly settled and the area closed off. The tannoy asked everyone to leave as there had been a technical fault, so the disaster had been averted. There had been hundreds of people in the centre, taking refuge from the cold and stocking up on supplies. If all the fans had collapsed through the roof; there wouldn’t have been many survivors.

  It was in the third week we heard disturbing and upsetting news. A group of Seelie Fairies, known as the Blessed ones, had been checking on some mortals in a village near York, when they had been attacked by a group from the Slaugh. The Slaugh were formidable creatures, said to be a host of the unforgiven dead. The Seelie had spotted a couple of children, one of them had fallen on the ice and had been hurt, they had gone to help when they were cornered by the Slaugh. Some of the Seelie managed to think quickly, and flew with the children to safety. The others were caught and had to stand and fight. The Slaugh had sharp spears and small axes, and had been taught well how to use them. We had arrows, which were no good in this close proximity, and shields. It was by no means a fair fight, but we did our best. Luckily a few of our shape shifters were nearby and came as large fierce dogs. The Slaugh retreated and the fight was over. We had managed to kill two of their kind, but had lost five of our own. This was the first Fairy blood shed, and it brought home to us the reality of the battle ahead.

  Our spies reported their rumours and lies had only scared off a few lowly Duergar. The Witch and Dagdar made a powerful couple, and fear of their wrath prevented most of their group from leaving. We were trying more elaborate lies, but we needed to show some sign of our power.

  We gathered again and agreed to send the word across the country. The enemy must be hunted out; if we could not take them prisoner, then we had no other option but to kill them. We could no longer take the defensive, we had to attack. We had to send out a message that we could be just as aggressive in our quest.

  I felt the blood of many would now be on my hands. I now realised some of us must be lost for the greater good, but it didn’t make it any easier for me.

  We sent Hippogriffs out to tackle the growing problem of the Cu Sith. A growing number of Villagers had been reported missing, and piercing howls had been heard in the night. We knew the villagers had fallen victims to the evil Fairy dogs and had to stop them. The hybrid Hippogriff was seen as a mix of lion, horse and eagle. It was very strong, yet fast and wily. They were sure to be victorious over the Cu Sith.

  We had reports every day. We had won a few of our skirmishes but lost men in the process. I had always hated the idea of war, and the thought of bombs and guns were disgusting to me, but I had never realised how savage
a Fairy war could be. Our troops had not been shot; they had been hacked to death, or ripped apart by claws or sharp teeth. Fairies had had their wings chopped off before death as an act of degradation.

  The human world was fairing a bit better but not much as unfortunately the spread of flu was taking its toll on the population of the country, although our herbs and spells had reduced the severe effect amongst those we had managed to protect.

  Others however had not been so lucky. Inevitably, the old and ill were hit the hardest and hospitals were reported to be overrun and unable to cope. The death toll was rising, and the inevitable panic had taken over in some places.

  With weeks of severe snow and blizzards, the country was already beginning to show signs of collapsing into chaos.

  CHAPTER 14

  I needed to go out and see for myself, how grave things had become. Trying to drive my car was impossible, so Seth and Oswald pulled out the sleigh and a couple of shape shifters turned into horses to pull it.

  Dressed in various layers of clothes and a bag full of herbs, as well as my protection pouch, I set off, with Oswald, to the town nearby.

  The air was so bitter; it felt like my blood was freezing inside my body. As soon as we turned on to the main road, the transformation was immediately evident. Firstly, there were no cars, except for those that had been abandoned. The road had not been gritted or ploughed for days; probably because of the ferocity of the blizzards, and the amount of snowfall, but also we would not have been prepared for this, and we could have already run out of our stock of grit. The snow made it hard to see and, if it hadn’t been for the strength of the shape shifters, we would have been lost.