“I will, Your Majesty, and thank you for all your support. Our mutual contacts will appreciate the information you’ve given me about advancements in medicine and agriculture. I’m most grateful.”
“You are my daughter now. Let me know how you both are faring.”
After several rounds of good wishes and heartfelt goodbyes, the retinue rode out from the palace.
Aisling was surprised at the outpouring of support as they rode through the town. The villagers had heard about their prince’s travels and came to wish them well. Along the trail, they encountered more followers. At last, they reached the temple. As they entered the compound, there were hundreds to greet them.
“Who are all these people?” Aisling asked in surprise.
“Most of them are warrior monks who joined my army. It looks like some of the villagers in the mountains made the trip as well.”
She turned to see Hanu and Maehwa embrace several family members who had traveled great distances to say goodbye. Aisling dismounted and walked over to the girls. They were both teary-eyed. She clasped their hands.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, Princess. We’ll miss it here, but we are determined to go.”
“Are you ready for the journey?”
“Almost, but can you speak with our parents? They want to make sure we are welcome.”
“Of course.” Aisling walked over to the group and met their families. “We’re so pleased that your daughters can come with us. We’ll watch over them.”
After extended farewells, she turned and saw Maológ and the crew signaling her from the bridge. It was time to leave. The passengers said their final farewells and walked down to the shore.
Once the new voyagers were situated on their respective ships, Aisling and Drayaen took the final boat to the Saoirse. As they crossed the bay, she turned to her new husband.
“This is a welcome sight.”
“I’m sure you’ve missed your fleet.”
“They’re our ships now,” she murmured.
He smiled and reached for her hand.
As she looked out over the bay, she could see Ryen on the deck, awaiting their arrival.
I’m home at last, she thought.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ISLAND OF CRYSTAL WATERS
The next morning, they set sail for an island off the coast. Aisling had heard about its stunning natural beauty, from the crystalline waters to the plunging volcanic cliffs. When the Prince suggested a brief holiday there before the journey home, she had welcomed the chance to visit.
After making her morning rounds, she retreated to the Captain’s Quarters. She opened the door, and saw that Drayaen was awake. As she walked in, he smiled and patted the bed.
“Sit for a minute.”
“The last time you said that, I didn’t get up for hours.”
They both laughed. She glanced at her schedule for the day and turned to face him.
“Are you hungry? I can have them bring us a tray.”
“That sounds good. For some reason, we didn’t eat much food at the treehouse.” He smiled. “Thank you for accommodating our new passengers. I know how much effort it required.”
“I’m happy they’re here. So far, it seems that everyone has settled in well.”
“What should we do today?”
“I’ve told the officers that I’m leaving operations in their capable hands until we depart from the Island of Crystal Waters. That means you and I can spend more time together.”
He reached out and pulled her back down on the bed. “Let’s stay here.”
“All right. At least let me order breakfast.” She rang the bell. A few minutes later, a ship’s assistant appeared with two trays. He set them down on the table.
“Please thank Cookie for his excellent planning.”
“Aye, Commander.”
As he left, she turned and locked the door. Her prince held out his hand. She walked across the cabin and into his arms.
Maológ sat in the Captain’s Quarters and thought about his new passengers. They seem to be doing well, he thought, but he fretted about two in particular. In all his years with the fleet, the only woman who ever boarded their ships was Aisling. He glanced up as an assistant passed his door, and motioned for him to stop.
“Tell Sean I need to see him.”
“Aye, Captain.”
As he waited for his nephew, he paced the room.
“You wanted to see me, Uncle?”
“Yes. How are the new men faring?”
“They’re fine. Everyone has unpacked and taken a tour of the ship. Several of the prince’s soldiers have been trained in weaponry. That could be very useful to us.”
He nodded, pleased to hear there were specialists on board if needed. “And what about the women?”
“Hanu and Maehwa? They’re fine. I’ve shown them around and they’re excited about our travels.”
“Have you told them about security?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do they know that parts of the ship are dangerous?”
“Yes, we’ve covered that.”
“Good. We’re heading into unknown territory now. On the way home, we’ll be docking at unfamiliar ports. They need to understand the potential threats at sea, whether we’re sailing or anchored.”
“All right. What do you want me to do?”
“Tell all our passengers they’ll need permission to disembark. When they do, they must stay in groups. The men we’re transporting are soldiers, experienced in battle. Make sure the women can also defend themselves if needed.”
“You trust the sailors onboard, don’t you?”
“Of course. They were selected for their character and loyalty.”
“What, then?”
“The seas are teeming with pirates. If we’re attacked, they’ll seek revenge. The first ones targeted will be Aisling and the women.”
“You’re right about that.”
“After our next stop, I’ll talk with the commander about setting up a meeting to review security.We can discuss it then.”
This visit to the island, he thought, will be a final holiday before we sail into turbulent seas.
Aisling awoke as the sun peered over the horizon. She glanced up and smiled at her husband, who was still sleeping. After dressing, she clutched her spyglass and walked to the deck. Her hair blew in the breeze as she scanned the terrain.
The Island of the Crystal Waters was now visible, with its majestic volcano rising deep into the clouds. Clusters of lush green hills jutted out of the water, illuminating a shoreline sheathed in black rocks and sand. Giant lava and basalt formations insulated the coast. The waves assaulted the parallel towers of stone, creating a massive spray that dissipated over the cliffs.
As they sailed closer, she could see the sparkling waters, punctuated with pockets of pale azure that lined the edges of the reef. It looked like a perfect day. She tucked her hands in her pockets and walked toward the Captain’s Quarters.
Later that morning, boats were rowed to the shore. Aisling sat in the middle, facing Drayaen, while Sean and the crew navigated the rocky coast. As they rounded the cliff’s edge, the temple came into view, perched on a hill with a sweeping view of the sea.
At the top of the steep stairs were several pagodas with their tiered towers and multiple eaves. The red roofs glistened in the morning sun. The base of the compound contained a pond, surrounded by sculpted gardens and a waterfall built into the rocks. Aisling and Drayaen crossed the stone bridge and ascended into the haven.
Aisling entered the tower and padded across the room. She turned to Drayaen and smiled. “This is perfect. It reminds me of our hideaway in the woods.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
She nodded in appreciation and gazed out the window. Before her was a sweeping vista of the deep surf. When she opened the screen, she felt the cool breeze and heard the pounding of the waves as they clashed against the shore. “What a spec
tacular view.”
“I think so, too.”
She turned to see him staring at her, and they both laughed.
There was a knock at the door, and an attendant delivered food. Drayaen spoke with him in low tones as he departed.
“That sounded like a clandestine operation.”
He grabbed her by the waist and murmured in her ear. “I told him that we don’t want to be disturbed.”
She smiled as he bent down to kiss her. At once, she felt transported to their own world. Nothing else seemed to matter.
Later that day, Aisling clutched Drayaen’s hand as they navigated the shoreline. The sun was beginning to fade, casting shadows against the blackened rocks. She could hear the sound of cascading waterfalls as they rounded the curve. They walked farther down the beach, and watched the sky turn a fiery orange, punctuated by streaks of yellow.
She grasped the jeweled key that hung around her neck. There are still so many secrets I have yet to unlock, she thought.
Earlier, as Drayaen had slept, she read her father’s second letter.
There was a new mission. One that sounded even more challenging than the adventure she just completed.
Her next quest was to change history.
She thought about the road ahead and glanced at her husband. We’ll be together, she thought, no matter where our journey takes us.
The cobalt blue waters morphed into a misty gray, the waves clashing with the murky cliffs. As the prince held her in his arms, neither of them spoke.
They sat in the dark, listening to the sounds of the night.
The End
Read on for an advanced preview of Book Two in the
Princess of Nature Series.
PRINCESS OF WIND AND SEA
Dark clouds swirled in the night, creating a fortress of looming shadows. As the thunder and lightning raged across the sky, the winds rushed through the cold alleyways of the ship. The vessel creaked and groaned with the rising swells, as if to protest the incessant pounding against the waves.
Prince Drayaen paced in his quarters. He grasped the sword fastened to his side and brushed back his long, wild hair, which had fallen out of its queue.
His warrior clothes, a half-opened shirt and black pants, clung to his powerful form. Feeling overheated in the cramped space, he flung open the window and shoved the table against the wall.
He felt like a confined tiger, waiting to burst from the cage.
His heart pounded as he thought about Aisling. It had been three days since they’d been together, yet it felt like a lifetime.
He needed to see her.
Touch her.
Every instinct told him they were headed into danger. He wanted to keep her safe, and yet how could he? Just a few more hours, he told himself, and I’ll be back by her side.
Daylight couldn’t come soon enough.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’d like to thank the many people who helped bring this book to life.
To Bob, for his unending support; to Robbie, creative advisor; the early readers; the editors, including Mary Theresa Hussey and Meredith Tennant; print and production teams, including the crew at Damonza and Createspace; to Scott Allen, fellow author and official book coach; for inspiration, Chandler, Sean, and the community at SPS; Nick Stephenson; Mark Dawson; K.M. Weiland.
For research, the following entities were also helpful: Cork Ireland Archives; The Korea Society; Library Ireland; Lonely Planet; The Maritime Heritage Project; Metropolitan Museum; National Geographic; National Museum of Korea; Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Asian History; Wikipedia.
For more action-adventure, fantasy, and romance…
READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN CASSANDRA FINNERTY’S PRINCESS OF NATURE SERIES
PRINCESS OF WIND AND SEA
In 1773, the prince and princess travel across the globe on a series of secret missions. Along the way, they run into unexpected dangers.
Aisling’s magical abilities are increasing, but dark forces who seek to destroy her powers are hunting them.
The prince must protect her at all costs, as they fight for survival and abiding love.
PRINCESS OF THE EMERALD VALLEYS
Aisling and the prince return home to Ireland, in time to celebrate the holidays. But their festivities are short-lived.
New enemies are threatening their way of life.
As evil swirls around them, Aisling and the prince must destroy their adversaries, protecting each other and everything they love.
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS:
PRINCESS OF SKY, EARTH, FIRE AND WATER
What does the idea of empowerment mean to you?
What constraints does Aisling feel before her journey? Societal expectations? Gender?
How does this change, as she embarks on her travels to the East Kingdom?
How does Aisling transform during her collaboration with the prince? What lessons does she learn?
What insights does Aisling have about the use of her magic powers?
How has the prince evolved during his time with Aisling?
As Queen Vila and her minions battle for power, what insights does Aisling have about good vs. evil?
How have Aisling and the prince’s priorities changed, as they leave for the Island of Crystal Waters?
Conversation with Cassandra Finnerty
Author of Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water
Today, we’re with Cassandra Finnerty, to talk about her upcoming release.
Q: Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water is your debut novel. What is the book about?
The story begins in Ireland, in 1772.
The main character, Lady Aisling, inherits an army, a fleet of ships, and magical powers. She has the ability to change sky, earth, fire, and water. Now she’s part of a secret society and must help other kings and courts around the globe.
To keep her powers, she has twelve months in which to complete her first mission. Her task is to help a warrior prince, but he has no interest in collaborating with anyone, least of all a woman.
As they join forces, they fight for survival and a chance for love.
Q:What inspired you to write the book?
Most women in that era had limited control over their lives. They were focused on survival. Few owned property. There were also major social constraints—what to wear, how to speak, whom to marry.
I wanted to create an historical fantasy, where the main character was empowered to travel, meet people, and help others, on her own terms.
Q: Why a setting in the 1770s?
It’s a fascinating time in history.
During that period, there was a massive power shift across the globe. Many countries pursued expansion, creating conflicts from Asia to Europe and beyond.
Established monarchies were also breaking down. The American Revolution spurred a revolt, triggering a discontent that rippled across nations.
It was also an amazing time of transformation. The industrial revolution spurred inventions and industries.
Against this backdrop, there are a lot of story possibilities. With a fleet of ships, Aisling can go anywhere.
Q: What are some of your favorite locations that inspired settings in the book?
One of my favorites is Burrishoole Friary, in Ireland. It was built in 1469, and some of the structure has survived for more than five hundred years. It’s very peaceful, overlooking the water. There’s a view of Crough Patrick, ‘the Magic Mountain,’ which is a short distance away. A scene in chapter two was inspired by this setting.
One of the writers of Annals of the Four Masters is also buried there. Since this book is a rich resource of Irish history, I integrated it into the story. Aisling discovers her father’s secret notes in this work.
Another favorite location in western Ireland is Clew Bay. This is where Aisling and her fleet launch their journey. There are hundreds of sunken drumlins that look like small islands, protruding from the water.
I created a fictional temple setting in
the East Kingdom that has some of the characteristics of Yonggunsa. The retreat is situated high in the cliffs, above the water. The structures are covered in shades of amber, green, red, and blue.
In the book, Aisling and the prince first meet on a cliff, high above a sanctuary.
Q: How would you describe your main characters?
Aisling is courageous and driven, with a sincere interest in helping people. But she also has many flaws. At the beginning of the book, she struggles with a need to always be in control. Aisling believes that her magic will solve all of her problems. But like the prince, who operates as a loner, she realizes that to have the greatest impact, she will need to work with others.
She also struggles with her magic. It works to varying degrees, but there are always consequences. Part of her challenge is to figure out the best way to use her powers.
Aisling is thrust into a world where’s she interacting with men, because they have more authority during this time period. Throughout the book, there are instances where she needs to assert herself, to overcome the perception that she doesn’t quite fit in.
She is also learning that in order to trust someone, you have to be vulnerable. This is a hard pill to swallow for someone who has always been independent.
The other main character is the prince, who’s a wounded warrior. His life has been difficult and he grew up feeling rejected. As an adult, he’s fierce about wanting to right past wrongs.
He would like to be welcomed back into the royal family. As he’s fighting deception and corruption, he’s also lashing out, feeling guilty that he was unable to protect his mother and brother when he was a child.
Aisling represents a threat to his focus and way of life. He’s uncomfortable bringing someone into his world, and tries to detach himself as soon as they meet.
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