by Alan Fisher
She didn't enter, instead she simply listened, eavesdropping on the conversations of passers-by and the Fianna posted to the city wall. Several hours passed and it was during the early evening guard rotation when her patience finally bore fruit.
“This new schedule has me wrecked. Did Oisin say he would bring extra men to cover?” one guard asked his replacement.
“No, not that I know of. He said he expects everyone to only be gone for a short while. Once they finish whatever is going on over at the castle then they'll be back as normal.”
Taiko had what she needed and made her way inside. She had visited once before, yet years of destruction and rebuilding meant nothing was familiar. However, it didn't take long for her to notice the main castle, standing tall upon the Hill of Kings.
“That must be it,” she thought, scurrying along, weaving in and out of the large feet trampling dirt around her. It was evening now and the heightened security was evident from the castle entrance. Once again Taiko waited. Little by little, twilight turned to darkness and less and less people passed by. It would take a full day to reach Dulta Og’s horse shed and the time to test her theory had come. Four Fianna guards stretched across the gateway, spears in hand. A tradesman's cart approached, carrying food and ale which was routinely stopped as it tried to enter. Taiko had been staring over for some time, with the four men distracted, she mustered her courage and tiptoed her way into the courtyard.
Invisibility helped her to move freely, but she still needed to be careful of any noise that might alert them to her presence. Once inside, men and women flowed to and from the castle. Taiko had no idea where to begin, but having made it through the gate, she was hopeful she may have already passed her first trap. With that her pace quickened further and she rushed over to the three main structures. One doorway led into an oval-shaped hall, another seemed to be the entrance to the main keep and the third, led to a smaller stone building. Several guards had entered the smaller building so she decided to have a look there first. Once again, she stealthily passed through. Straight away she heard laughter coming from a room down a narrow hallway where soldiers had gathered and were talking amongst themselves. Cautiously, she slipped inside to read the air.
“Grainne is a beauty no doubt, but he’ll have his work cut out for him,” one guard proclaimed to the group.
“She gave me a look once,” said another prompting a female to reply.
“Aye, she did I’d say, were her eyes watering from your stench?” The room burst into laughter and the banter continued, flowing back and forth until a hulking figure entered.
The room abruptly went silent and all eyes tilted towards the ground.
“What’s going on here?” Diarmuid blustered.
“That's the high king's daughter you speak about, now get out on duty, or so help me I’ll chop each of you down.” He gripped his sword, still sheathed around his waist and everyone scattered, back to their duties, leaving several flasks of whiskey and some cups. Only Taiko remained. She watched Diarmuid grasp a cup, sniff, then gulp it down.
“Aaa...” He wiped his mouth as he looked through the doorway, checking if everyone had indeed returned to their post. He then went back inside, pulled up a stool, and opened another flask. Taiko was rooted to the spot. Only drawing short breaths, she watched as he regularly emptied and refilled his cup. Several flasks later, Diarmuid eventually stood, pawing the wall for balance. Swaying from side to side he made his way up the stairwell that linked the small dining room to the sleeping quarters.
The barracks had several levels. Fionn was on the top floor with a walkway over to the main castle, the armory and other storage rooms were directly below, while the remaining men and women stayed in large communal halls when on duty in the castle. The dungeon was deep underground, in a dug-out cave; it was here Aine and Eamonn were being kept.
Diarmuid grunted as he brooded up the stairwell. He was clearly one of the senior men so she thought it best to follow him up the steps. The stairs opened into a large room with twenty or so different sets of woolen sheets spread on the floor. Diarmuid wobbled to the corner of the room. He unbuckled his belt and threw his sword down beside one of the beds. Taiko’s ears tweaked at the sound of a metal key chain rattling against the floor. Diarmuid then sat on the woolen covers and looked up to the ceiling. Raising the whiskey flask over his head he poured the final few drops down his throat and sprawled on the floor. Taiko once again stood silent, five, perhaps ten minutes passed before Diarmuid’s wheezes got louder and louder, until each drunken snort he inhaled drowned out any noise she might make.
She moved closer, eager to look at the keys that had fallen. A large circle key chain rested next to Diarmuid, his belt ran through the steel ring securing it to his body, along with his sword as he walked. The ring itself was nearly half the size of Taiko’s torso. She leaned down and needed both hands to pick it up. Grasping from either side she slid it along the belt and finally off the buckle which dropped to the floor with a bang. She paused, hands still tight around the chain waiting to see if the snoring Giant noticed the sound. Fortunately, the whiskey had him dead to the world. Taiko then used one hand to grab all the keys together, stopping any chance they might jingle, while her other hand still grasped the steel ring. Holding the key chain out in front she walked back down the hall towards the stairwell. Had anyone been watching, all they would’ve seen were some floating keys, elevated ever so slightly off the ground making their way across the room. As she approached the stairs there was a sudden snap. Frightened, Taiko dropped the keys as a steel cage abruptly snared itself around her. She was trapped.
The noise rattled Diarmuid awake, enough to make him sit up. He squinted around the room and saw that one of Cormac’s traps had snared. He shook his head and rubbed the sleep from his eyes before taking another look. The cage was empty.
“Mustn’t have been set properly. Someone’s head will roll for that,” he thought and lay back down.
Taiko was biting down on her lip once more. She was stuck, it was only a matter of time before someone took a closer look. With slow, deep breathes, she calmed herself, fighting off the desire to panic. “Perhaps I can slip away when its opened,” she thought, “They have no way of knowing I’m here. I just need to get rid of these keys.” She waited until she could hear Diarmuid snoring once more, then picked up the metal ring. She held it upright so it could pass through the bars. Using one hand, she pushed her shoulder into the cage and dangled her arm, slowly rocking the key chain from side to side. Little by little she gained momentum as her arm swayed like a pendulum, swinging the keys back and forth. Taiko knew if she could put the keys back over beside Diarmuid then she might have a chance of slipping away whenever somebody tried to reset the trap. She let loose. The keys flung through the air and landed softly on the edge of Diarmuid’s bed. The fabric muffled any sound. Once again, all Taiko could do was wait.
“Get up Diarmuid! Wake Up!” It was the next morning and a Fianna guard was shaking Diarmuid’s shoulders. “One of the cages have snared, what should we do?” he asked.
Diarmuid’s eyes opened and his senses slowly returned.
“Okay, get off. Let’s take a look.” He grabbed his belt, sword, keys and stood to his feet. They walked down to the cage which sat just next to the stairwell.
“There’s nothing inside? Was it a misfire?” the guard asked.
“Perhaps. If so, I very much pity the poor soul who’s going to waste Fionn’s time because they didn’t set a trap properly.”
“It was me who set it. I definitely did it right, I’m almost certain. Sure, there is nothing there, just in case, what if I reset the trap now?”
Diarmuid looked at the guard. “There is one sure way to annoy Fionn Mac Cumhail, and that is to try deceive him. He misses nothing. You’ve a better case if you’re honest. Go knock on his door and tell him a cage has snared overnight. I’ll wait here.” The guard ran off leaving Diarmuid alone in the room. He rattled the cage slightly
with his foot before turning back towards his bed and hiding the whiskey flask.
A few minutes later the guard returned pointing the way to Fionn.
“What’s going on, Diarmuid?” he asked.
“Overnight, one of the high king’s traps snared. Nothing is inside but I know very little of the spirit world and dare not leave it without letting you know first.”
Fionn moved forward to take a closer look.
“Was it set properly?”
“I did it myself, sir. I believe so,” replied the young guard.
Still leaning forward looking at the cage, Fionn whistled. Diarmuid and the guard stood back upon hearing the frantic gallops of Bran and Sceolan making their way up the stairwell to their master. As they reached the top of the stairs they looked to Fionn who nodded them in the direction of the cage. They both sniffed. Sceolan then scratched the cage door and their sniffs turned to growls.
“You may indeed have set the trap correctly young man.” Fionn smiled at the guard. He then leaned forward again and grabbed the cage lock, peering through the bars.
“Now show yourself you little pest or I’ll open this door and let them have at you.”
The air flickered, vibrating before their eyes, then whooshed as Taiko appeared. She stood in the center of the cage in her red kimono, muddied at the bottom from her long journey.
“Hello,” she said.
“What in the world is that?” Diarmuid asked.
“I’m Taiko.” She waved at the two dogs who immediately calmed and sat next to Fionn.
“You’re no leprechaun. Where is he?” Fionn questioned.
“Very observant of you, I’m not a leprechaun. I’m a Zashiki Warashi. Where is who?” she replied.
Pokerfaced, Fionn rubbed his thumb against his lip and continued his questioning. “What do you know of leprechauns, little Taiko?”
“I’ve been invited all the way here by one. Well not here, as in Tara, but to Ireland, from the other side of the world, by Brian O’Foye, King of the Leprechauns. He’s having a gathering and I think he’s going to be angry with me now. When we arrived, he asked that we not leave the mountain, but you see this isn’t my first time to visit. I’ve been to Ireland before and I wanted to look around. Last night I walked all the way from Cooley to see this lovely city. It’s so different from when I was here last, perhaps five, maybe six hundred years ago.”
“King Brian. Well that is a lofty invitation to receive. A gathering? And how many of you came?” Fionn continued.
“I’m the only one from Japan, but I came with my Menehune and Chaneque friends. So, the three of us came together but there are many more, from all over the world. You know if you let me go I’m sure King Brian will give you a reward.”
“I’m not so sure I can do that right now, little one. Coincidently, the High King of Tara, Cormac Mac Art, is expecting a visit from a leprechaun by the name of Ena. Have you ever met him?”
“Ena, no I can’t say that I have, I know of an Una, but not an Ena. Why is the king expecting him? These cages would suggest you’re preparing for a little more than a friendly visit.”
“That’s a long story, for another time. For now, please tell me a little bit about yourself, little Taiko. What is a Zashiki Warashi and where is this Japan you speak of? I'm eager to learn more about you and your friends.” Fionn had travelled to many parts of the known world. During his time in Scotland he’d heard tales from Albain Celts of Norse fairies visiting them on the outer islands. The stories told of little creatures often helping the locals by feeding their livestock during cold winter months. So, he did not disbelieve Taiko, merely mistrusted the timing of her visit.
“Japan is on the other side of the world. It would take many, many years for you to go there by boat. I only got here thanks to King Brian, he opened a doorway for us. People in Japan are not Giant’s like here, but they are brave and their swords are the sharpest in the world. Although, they get used far too often unfortunately. Despite the cold, and rain and mud…” Taiko lifted her foot slightly, showing her sandals before continuing. “I like Ireland, the music and dancing here is fun and it helps me forget about all the sadness in the world. You see, my purpose is to make people happy, that’s my gift. Zashiki Warashi pass on good fortune to those around us, but we make such a small difference, I can only help one family at a time and there are so many people who deserve a helping hand.”
Fionn's eyes widened. “And in what way do you share good fortune, little Taiko?”
“It's our Tamashi, our spirit you might say. It brings good fortune to those it touches, whomever is around us whenever we decide to show ourselves.”
Perhaps Taiko was being honest or perhaps she was here at Ena’s request, either way Fionn could not ignore the timing of her visit. If she lied about her connection with Ena then all the better, he would have more bait to lure him to the city. On the other hand, if everything she said was true then Fionn could keep her for himself, keep her close, within range of this Tamashi.
“Taiko, I trust my men very much. They won’t tell anyone you are here. However, I don’t trust the king, if he hears of you I’m not sure what he’ll do, and if I let you go he might try to hurt me or my men. For the time being I shall keep you in my chamber, it will be safe there. Bran and Sceolan…” He pointed to his wolfhounds still sitting quietly beside him. “They are my two most loyal friends and they’ll keep you company. Once the king has resolved his issues with this Ena, I will bring you back to the Cooley Mountains. You have my word.” Fionn took a sheet from the floor and placed it over the cage. He lifted it onto his shoulder with one arm and made his way back to his chamber, closely followed by Bran and Sceolan.
Once Fionn reached his chamber, he bolted a wooden plank over the window, set the cage down in the corner opposite his bed and lifted the sheet. “You can stay here for now. Feel free to make yourself at home,” he said unlocking the cage door.
“However, I must caution you against using your invisibility. Bran and Sceolan have warmed to you but magic can sometimes make them angry. I must go now and report to the high king. I’ll return this evening.”
Fionn left the room and went on about his day. Taiko found herself alone with two giant hounds watching intently her every move. Her mission had failed, there was no way she could free Tomas’s family or even get back in time to safely return to Japan. Ena was her only hope. Yet the longer she stayed Fionn’s captive, his good fortune would grow and work against any rescue efforts.
The Fishbone
D ulta Og’s shed sat empty for a full year. It was damp and wet with decaying horse manure scattered across the floor. To help ease his wait, Dulta lifted several bottles of whiskey from the main house. He drank away the time as Thomas sat in a corner, sober and silent, quietly hoping to hear from Taiko. By the evening on the third day she'd still not returned and it was time for Tomas to fulfil his promise.
“Perhaps there is something else we can do?” Dulta suggested, gesturing to himself and Tomas.
“I don’t think so, we could scale the Cooley Mountains but where would we even start looking for a leprechaun? No, the only one who can help now is Ena. I should do as Taiko said and go back to Japan. Had I done what Ena asked in the first place then maybe none of this would’ve ever happened. I’ve been stupid. Look, thank you very much for your kindness, Dulta. It was nice seeing you again, but please take care never to speak of this to anyone. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing Fionn’s fury also.” Tomas walked outside the horse shed, taking the ring from his pocket as he emerged into an open field. He closed his eyes and took a few final deep breaths before putting the ring back on his finger. He was gone. Dulta Og stood by the doorway and blinked several times, checking if what he’d just seen was real.
Tomas appeared before Ai back at their small workshop. She quickly ran over and gave him a hug. “What happened, you’ve been gone for days? Where’s Taiko?”
“She’s gone, they’re all gone. Fionn bu
rned down my home.” Ai gasped and pulled away, her hands covering her mouth. She then grabbed Tomas and sat him down at a nearby table.
“Tell me everything that happened.”
As he finished, they both sat silent, staring at each other across the table until Ai eventually spoke. “Like Taiko said, Ena will come, he can fix this so don’t lose hope, your family could still be fine.”
One day folded into the next, each seeming longer and longer. A week past, followed by another and then another, yet still they heard nothing from Ena.
In Tara, time crept by even slower for Taiko. Each day, she moved freely around Fionn’s chambers, however at night she was confined to sleep in a makeshift cell in the corner of the room. All the while Bran and Sceolan kept a very close watch. Their eyes following her constantly, growling any time she dared to leave or hide from their gaze.
As time passed good fortune flowed from her Tamashi over Fionn. At night, he slept more peacefully than ever before. His friendship with Cormac was at an all-time high and each evening they made time to eat, drink, and chat with each other, discussing how well the kingdom fared of late, as well as the upcoming wedding between Fionn and Grainne. A long standing tribal dispute with the Celts of Connacht had come to a peaceful settlement and an unexpected stretch of good weather meant the druids foresaw a bountiful harvest. Times were good, Cormac planned a grand wedding inviting tribal leaders from all-across Ireland to come and witness the legend, Fionn Mac Cumhail join the high king’s household.
It was a few days before the wedding and Fionn and Cormac sat together once again, chomping on whatever feast the kitchen had prepared.
“I’ve spoken with both the priest and the druid, Fionn, they’ve all seen our bloodline bring peace and prosperity to this country for a thousand years.” Cormac leaned over and spoke with pride into Fionn’s ear.