Chapter 19
Lies and Prophecies
“What is he talking about, Arawn?” Alina asked from behind Arawn, completely healed.
“Alina!” Remus shouted, stumbling towards her. “That was you we shot?”
Alina smiled, flattered by his angst. “I am alright, Remus. The fairies are excellent healers.” She nodded towards the Alder tree with the fairies. She waved her hand to reverse Arawn’s spell.
Arawn fumed at Mars’ words, “I will explain later, Alina. We must be leaving.” He grabbed Alina’s arm and looked over his shoulder to address Remus and Romulus. “Since you have confessed your mistake and no harm was permanent, I will forgive your trespasses.”
“Why don’t you answer the woman’s question?” Mars snapped before Arawn and Alina could leave.
A cool stale wind blew through the forest as Arawn whipped around and spoke in a low growl, “Stay out of this, Mars.”
“I would like to know what he means.” Alina slipped her arm out from Arawn’s grasp and retreated towards Remus.
Arawn cracked his neck and sighed, “You are a member of my bloodline. Have you ever wondered why your powers surpass your mother’s and your brother’s? It is not just fairy blood that runs through your veins.”
Alina’s mouth dropped at the news. “But, how? When? Why?” She stammered. Unsure if she was angrier with Arawn or her mother.
Arawn’s shoulders slumped forward, “Twenty-two years ago when Pwyll and I switched places.”
Alina heard this story many times before. She recalled the details easily. When Arawn and Pwyll first met, it was similar to this situation. Pwyll hunted the same stag as Arawn. Pwyll confessed to his crime and accepted whatever punishment Arawn deemed fit. Arawn plotted to switch appearances. Pwyll would rule over the underworld for a year disguised as Arawn and Arawn would appear as Pwyll to govern Dyfed. At the end of the year, Pwyll must face Arawn’s rival and kill him to gain his lands. In return, Arawn would make Dyfed prosperous. Both tasks were accomplished.
“You and my father are good friends. While he was disguised as you, he treated your wife with respect and did not share her bed. Are you saying you did not return his courtesy?” Alina confronted Arawn.
“Your mother is a beautiful and powerful woman, Alina. She grew suspicious when I would not fulfill husbandly duties for a year. On the morning I was to meet Pwyll to switch back, she cast a spell to enjoy her husband’s company not knowing it was me in disguise. Later that night, Pwyll returned and performed as a husband should.” Arawn avoided Alina’s eyes.
“Does she know?” Alina asked.
Arawn refused to answer.
“Does she know?” Alina demanded, her voice booming through the trees.
“She does. Rhiannon knew after she gave birth to you and your brother. Your father was so ecstatic at your births that he invited me to celebrate. The moment Rhiannon saw me, she knew you were my child and your brother was Pwyll’s. We shared too many features for it to be mistaken. Your mother was furious, but she knew it was her own fault.”
Arawn moved closer to Alina, “I was so happy you were born, dearest Alina. Unbelievably happy you were my beautiful girl.”
Alina recoiled behind Remus, disgusted. “He trusted you,” she whispered. “My father trusted you for all these years, yet you have done nothing but lie to him.” Tears poured from her hazel eyes and she buried her face into Remus’ back.
“Please, don’t cry,” Arawn begged as he moved closer, arms extended desperate to comfort her.
Alina shot a ray of silver light from her palm, shielding her and Remus from Arawn. “Do not come near me. Remus, take me away from here,” Alina pleaded.
Remus did not know what to do. He looked between his brother, Mars, and Arawn. Mars surprisingly held back his laughter at the situation.
Arawn winced in pain and defeat filled his voice. “Go. She wants to leave and trusts you. Take her home. I am sorry I caused you heartache.”
Alina closed her eyes to control her breathing. Even though she despised his deceit, it broke her heart seeing Arawn wounded.
Arawn whistled Cnaimh to his side and twisted around to leave.
“Wait!” Alina called out, stepping out from behind Remus. Alina slipped her hand into Remus’. “I am truly angry with you and my mother, but,” Alina paused, debating whether she should continue, “but you are family. I fear you may be the only family who will want anything to do with me when I return home.” She glanced at Remus with apprehension.
Remus squeezed her hand to comfort her, giving her the strength of his conviction.
“And why is that?” Arawn’s said with his curiosity tainted by suspicion.
“Because we are engaged to be married, and…” Alina answered until Arawn cut her off.
“And Pwyll will not approve of your marriage to an outsider. Neither will the fairies.”
“Ha! He takes after his old man! You take her, son!” Mars applauded. Cnaimh growled at the war god. “I’m your grandfather, mutt. Don’t take that attitude with me.”
Arawn rolled his eyes, “Lupa gave me her puppy. The only one allowed to scold him is her.”
“Pft, I can handle my daughter,” Mars said with a smile. “Well, looks like I’m no longer needed. You’re welcome, boys, for saving your behinds…again.” Mars saluted his sons before vanishing.
Arawn ground his jaw at the missed opportunity to fight Mars, but turned his attention back to Alina. “I can’t say I approve of your taste in men. However, he has shown respect and intelligence. I’d say you picked the better of the two.” He glanced at Romulus, who feigned being offended. “You will always have my protection and assistance.”
Arawn and his hellhound, Cnaimh, disappeared without another word.
Alina and the Twin Kings returned to Dyfed and announced Alina’s engagement. Pwyll kicked the twins out of his castle and threatened to kill them if they returned. Rhiannon knew it was not his place as a father to forbid their marriage. She enchanted a horse to bring Alina to Remus under the cover of night
“Tintreach Ban, or White Lightning if you prefer, will bring you to your future husband. I gave him her mate, Dubh Draíochta...”
“Black Magic,” Alina finished her mother’s sentence and smiled. She instantly forgave her for hiding the truth about her real father. She flung her arms around her mother and squeezed tightly as she whispered in her mother’s ear, “Goodbye, mother.”
Rhiannon kissed her daughter on the forehead then watched her ride off.
“Protect our daughter, Arawn,” she called out into the night. “Do you hear me?” Her words were more of a venomous warning than a question.
The forest floor shook in response.
The Phoinix: Age of Demigods Page 45