Luathara - Book Three of the Otherworld Trilogy

by Johnson, Jenna Elizabeth

  Goibniu, Cade told me in his silent words when I asked, our blacksmith. If anyone wishes to learn the art, they study under him or someone he's trained. He's the best there is.

  I took note of the handful of other attendees, most of whom were daughters or sons of those present, or Faelorehn of great power but not so strong as my mother and her brethren. Many of them looked my age, but then again, being from the Otherworld, they could be hundreds or even thousands of years old. I shivered a little. Yeah, I was still getting used to this immortality thing. My wandering gaze skidded to a stop when they fell upon a man with golden hair and beautiful blue eyes. For a few seconds my mind went blank as I admired him. This was no common Faelorehn.

  Who is that? I asked Cade in awe.

  He glanced up and searched for the god who had captured my attention. He laughed softly when he discovered who I was talking about. That, my love, is Lugh. The Celts called him the Master of all the Arts, and he is one of our most talented and powerful rulers.

  As I ogled him, I had no doubt that he was everything Cade claimed him to be. He was stunningly beautiful, his hair such an unusual shade of blond and his skin almost glowing with life. He sat back and casually surveyed his fellow Tuatha De, joining cheerfully in a conversation every now and again. In fact, I was so distracted by his radiant presence that it took me a while to notice the quiet man sitting at his side. When my eyes finally left Lugh's striking face and caught sight of his companion, I nearly gasped out loud. How I hadn't noticed him before was a mystery, what with the antlers protruding from his head. Perhaps he had been making himself invisible before now, but at that very moment he was as real and present as the golden god sitting next to him.

  Cade and I had been moving gradually deeper into the room, but after spotting Cernunnos I froze, my feet rooting in place. Cade stopped with me and gave me an inquiring look, but my thoughts and attention were somewhere else entirely. My gaze was fixed on the god of Eile's wild places, and as the memories of our strange meeting in front of the Tree of Life poured forth, that little magical spider sleeping in a dark corner of my mind burst to life and started working frantically to gather up my thoughts.

  I had not expected to see him here. Why I had thought he wouldn’t heed my mother’s call, I couldn't say. Maybe because he had seemed too unreachable, too wild, to be influenced by something as simple as Danua’s summons. But here he was, leaning against the window pane, as close to the wild as he could get in this beautiful castle, his arms crossed as he listened to something Lugh was saying to him. Yet, he wasn’t really listening, for he had seen and recognized me. His brown gaze was captivating, and his mouth gave a slight upward tilt, but that was all the acknowledgment I got. After having his thoughts in my head on more than one occasion, the gesture was almost ridiculous.

  Cade, apparently, noticed the exchange as well. He moved in closer to me, stepping just so and breaking my eye contact with the antlered god of the woods.

  “Why is Cernunnos looking at you like that?”

  It was a murmur, but it sounded like a death threat. I gave Cade a troubled look. Had that sliver of his riastrad returned? His green eyes had flickered to a dark brown and he looked almost violent.

  I swallowed, only to find my mouth dry. “He-he spoke with me in the Weald, when you were gone those first several weeks after we arrived in Eile.”

  There. That was all I was going to tell him. The gift Cernunnos had given me was still unknown to others; my little magical spider still keeping my secret wrapped up securely. My heart raced and I was afraid Cade would notice my pulse as he grasped my hand more tightly.

  He stepped even closer and placed his hand on my face, his fingers splayed and trailing down my cheek. I sighed and closed my eyes.

  “Did he threaten you Meghan? Did he try to seduce you?”

  Wait, what? My shock must have been clear on my face because Cade continued with shil-sciar, He has a reputation, Meghan, of charming young women and taking advantage of them. Especially beautiful young women.

  I felt dizzy all of a sudden, both from the implication of what Cade had said and from his sincere compliment. Had Cernunnos been trying to seduce me? I frowned and tried to remember the details of that day in the meadow with the Tree of Life. As hard as I tried, I could not recall the horned god’s conversation or actions being seductive in any way. Yes, he had talked me into accepting his gift of Tuatha De magic, but even then, when he touched me, it didn’t seem inappropriate in the least.

  No Cade, he was kind to me, I finally managed. I was just surprised to see him here is all. I grinned and looked Cade in the eye. I didn’t think my mother’s influence was strong enough to entice the god of wild things to come to a fortress.

  The vice-like grip on my hand loosened and I could feel Cade physically relax.

  “Good,” he murmured, leaning down to press his lips to the top of my head. And then with a mischievous grin and a challenging glint to his eye, he said, “Because he can’t have you.”

  I snorted at that, having half a mind to tell Cade no one could have me; I was not a possession, but then someone in the room cleared their throat. Oh. I guess we were causing a scene. I hooked my arm around Cade’s and leaned into him a little, biting my lip to keep from blushing. Okay, I guess he could have me, just as long as I could have him back.

  Danua eyed us with slight annoyance as we took our seats beside her. I was glad to see that she had reserved one for Cade as well.

  The moment we were seated, my mother rose, the heavy skirts of her sapphire gown flowing around her like water. She lifted her hands and a cool flush of power poured over everyone. I actually shivered, but managed to stay calm.

  The moment the friendly chatter ended, my mother took a breath and said, "As you all know, we are here today to discuss a problem that has been growing for quite some time. During the past several weeks, the young Caedehn MacRoich," she paused and acknowledged Cade with a formal nod, "traveled throughout Eile seeking both counsel and aid from each of you. The fact that everyone is present today gives me great hope that we will come to some desirable conclusion with regards to our common plight. That plight being that the Morrigan has become more determined than ever to take my throne and unleash her evil power upon all of us.

  "She plans on doing this by either enslaving or destroying my daughter and taking her magic," she paused and gestured towards me. Nearly every set of eyes turned to look in my direction and it took all my willpower not to shrink into the cushion of my chair.

  "Why not take the magic from another Faelorehn?" a young man with dark hair called out. "She can't possibly have any more power than the rest of us."

  Despite the slight sting of insult in that comment, I was thankful for the distraction. Everyone lost interest in me, and I joined them as we cast our eyes in the young man's direction. He was rather good-looking, I couldn't help but notice. Tall and broad, his dark brown eyes flashing to hazel.

  My mother sighed and rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

  "Bowen," the man next to Epona, Nuadu, growled in warning.

  Danua held up a hand. "No, it is alright Nuadu. He has a point. The reason I believe the Morrigan is after my daughter is complicated."

  I froze, utterly horrified. Where was Danua going with this . . . ?

  "The Morrigan has never liked me, and when Meghan was born, I was forced to send her into the mortal world so that she would never know the evil of that goddess. Unfortunately, Meghan discovered our world and broke the geis of protection I'd placed over her. The Morrigan tried to take her magic then, since she was an easy target having not grown up in Eile and ignorant in the ways of wielding her own glamour properly. But Meghan proved she was stronger than the Morrigan anticipated."

  Wait, was it just me or was that a hint of pride in my mother's voice?

  I blinked up at the high queen, and she gave me a small smile before throwing her mask of sovereignty back on. My heart nearly stopped. Was my mother, in her strange, silent way, tr
ying to reach out to me? Despite the fact that she had wanted to put our healing process off until after this war?

  Danua took a breath and continued, "Now I believe it's mostly about revenge for the Morrigan, and as we all know, when the war goddess is on a mission of vengeance, she is twice as dangerous."

  Silence descended upon the room and I gritted my teeth. I appreciated my mother's sincerity, but now everyone knew my story and that the Morrigan was on a rampage because she couldn't handle being outdone by a pathetic Faelorehn who didn't know how to use her magic. Despite my general unease, however, I allowed Danua's small bit of praise and acknowledgment bring me some joy. Maybe she was warming up to me after all.

  "Does that answer your question Bowen?"

  The young man nodded once, shot me a quick, appraising look, then sat back down. For some reason, his quick yet efficient assessment of me made my skin tingle.

  "Are there any further concerns?" Danua asked, casting her eyes over those sitting around the grand table.

  When no one spoke up, she continued, "Then I'll give each of you a chance to speak. If you have any information or any ideas on how to take on the Morrigan, please feel free to share your thoughts now."

  The Dagda rose out of his chair and cleared his throat. "My foster son and I spoke at length just recently." He gave Cade a nod of acknowledgement. "He informed me that the Morrigan has enlisted help from someone of great power."

  A light murmur grew in the room and I clenched my hands into fists.

  "How do you know this?" Danua asked, her voice sounding a bit strained.

  I looked at Cade and his face was as serious as ever. Had he and the Dagda not told my mother about their theory?

  "Because she has already launched two attacks on us, your Majesty," Cade said without getting up.

  The high queen shot her eyes in his direction, her face paling ever so slightly. "When? How?"

  "Just after Meghan arrived in Eile," Cade continued. "A small army of faelah descended on Luathara the very evening Meghan and I returned from the mortal world, and we were overwhelmed by faelah once again on our journey to the Dagda's. The only way she could have gained enough power after losing it the day she tried to capture Meghan is if she had help. And not just any help, but the assistance of someone of great power."

  A cool silence descended upon the room once again as everyone let Cade's words sink in.

  "And I'm assuming by your tone that you know who this ally of the Morrigan is?" Danua said slowly.

  Cade nodded. "Donn."

  Surprised gasps, some louder than others, filled the room.

  Before the chatter could get out of hand, Lugh stood from his chair, graceful as a lion, and the Tuatha De quieted down. He splayed his fingers out to support his arms as he leaned over the table and let his head hang.

  “Caedehn is right. The moment he arrived at my doorstep a week ago, I sent out spies to see if what he claimed was true. The Morrigan has, indeed, enlisted the help of Donn.”

  "How on Eile did she manage that?" the man with the scars, Goibniu, asked.

  Cade shook his head. "We don't know."

  "Donn has more power than any three of us combined!" Epona cried.

  As the murmurs of disbelief made their way around the table, I glanced at Cade.

  You didn't tell everyone your suspicion about Donn and the Morrigan when you left to summon them?

  No, was his answer. I told them I suspected the Morrigan had found an ally in her evil plot, but I never told them who I suspected.

  I thought about that, then took a moment to survey the faces around me. It was clear now that none of them were the culprits, but I could understand why Cade had been careful not to share his thoughts. Well, except with one of them . . .

  Wait, Lugh . . . You told Lugh about Donn.

  Cade's hand tightened on mine.

  Why did you trust him and not the others?

  The strange essence of a shil-sciar sigh washed across my mind.

  Because he is my grandfather.

  This time, my hand tightened on his.

  Your grandfather?! Lugh is your grandfather? And the Morrigan your mother and Cuchulainn your father . . .

  I turned and gave him a fierce look. Anything else I should know? I tried to keep the bitter sarcasm from my words, but I suspected their color reflected my emotions too well.

  Cade winced, then responded, No Meghan, you now know all my secrets.

  And just like that, my irritation evaporated into thin air. He had to use that word, secret, didn't he? Who was I to be angry when I was the one keeping a huge secret? Nervous, I darted my eyes in Cernunnos's direction, only to find him regarding me with curiosity. I swallowed back my sudden fear and took a mental inventory of my spider. Yup, she was there, spinning away.

  I let out a deep breath and sent to Cade, I'm sorry I got upset. I guess you just never really got a chance to tell me about Lugh.

  I planned on introducing you two later tonight. I'm sorry you found out this way.

  He pulled my head forward and kissed my hair and I no longer felt offended. Unfortunately, I was the only one. The room was still abuzz with the angry, distressed voices of the Tuatha De.

  Lugh lifted a ring-encrusted hand and waited for the room to become quiet before continuing. “As you are all well aware, Donn and the Morrigan working together is a big problem. If we had every single able-bodied man and woman here with us to fight, we might be able to overtake the two of them. Unfortunately, I was only able to rally my guard and perhaps half of those living in my realm. What say the rest of you?"

  A light murmur of ascent traveled through the room, most of those present agreeing with Lugh.

  "We could always send word to our people," Nuadu said. "Perhaps we can stir them to action when they are aware of what has developed."

  Danua nodded in his direction. "And you and your men and women are all welcome to remain in Erintara until we receive further word of the Morrigan's plans, if you wish."

  Many heads nodded in thanks.

  "Thank you, Danua," Lugh said. "But I feel we still have some time before the Morrigan acts."

  "How much time?" Epona called out.

  Lugh sighed, then glanced up at me. It was a quick, brush of his gaze, nothing more, as if he was trying to assess me without my knowledge. My stomach turned.

  "I don't know for certain," he said. "But it's as if she is waiting for something."

  More troubled murmuring broke out at the great table and I felt myself shrink inwardly. Right at that moment I imagined the Morrigan sitting in her own dark castle, pacing as she drew out another plan, one that had to take place before she launched herself into a war against her fellow gods and goddesses. A plan that involved capturing me and draining me of my magic so that she could be all but invincible. And how much more invincible she'd be when she got a hold of the magic Cernunnos had given me . . .

  Unconsciously, I shot my eyes up and met the antlered god's gaze once more.

  Yes Meghan, she waits for you . . .

  I hissed and tore my eyes away, only to attract the attention of Cade and my mother.

  "What's wrong Meghan?" Danua asked, her question plunging the room into silence.

  Suddenly, every pair of eyes was on me. I took a deep, shuddering breath and released it slowly.

  "Nothing," I mumbled, "sorry."

  I felt my face flush.

  My mother regarded me for a few moments more, then stood and said, "Is there anything more we need to discuss for today?"

  When no one spoke up, she continued, "Very well. We will call this meeting to an end. As I said, you are all welcome to stay here for as long as you need. The Morrigan and Donn are preparing for a war, and so must we. I'll have my swiftest messengers travel to your lands with missives asking for help. Let's hope we get some volunteers.

  "For now," Danua took a deep breath, "feel free to rest. In an hour's time I would like to welcome you properly with a formal dinner and after party. Re
gardless of the dismal circumstances for which we've been called together, I would be ashamed if I didn't offer you the proper food and entertainment you all deserve."

  My mother gave a small grin, her eyes flashing between blue, green and grey, and then dismissed us.

  Without a second glance, I bolted for the door, dragging Cade close behind me by the hand. His surprised grunt was drowned out by the light chatter of the Tuatha De as they followed us, but I ignored it. I couldn't wait to get back to our room. In one hour we would be thrown back together in the dining room, then the dance hall, and I knew every last one of them would want to meet me. The girl who had antagonized the Morrigan into starting a war.

  Meghan? Are you alright? Cade sent as we headed up the stairs.

  I just need to prepare myself is all, I returned, hoping he didn't pick up on the panic in my thoughts.

  Finally we reached our room. When Cade excused himself to go meet with the Dagda, I shut the door securely behind him and then slid to my knees as the tremors took over.

  -Sixteen-

  Admission

  I spent most of my free hour trying to wrangle my emotions into some semblance of normalcy. Fear, anxiety and anger reared their ugly heads, but I think the guilt clawed at me the most. A nice, long, hot shower helped get things under control, and when Cade quietly rejoined me, I was able to face him without bursting into tears.

  Get a grip Meghan! No meltdowns in front of the Celtic gods! my oh-so considerate conscience told me.

  Dressed once again in formal attire, Cade and I joined the Dagda and we headed towards my mother's grand dining hall. Fortunately, we were seated next to Danua again and I wasn't forced to make small talk with any of the Tuatha De.

  A hand on my arm snapped me out of my self-loathing funk. I glanced up to find the Dagda's kind eyes regarding me.

  "No one blames you for this Meghan. I know you don't want to believe me, and I know you weren't convinced when I told you before, but it's still the truth."

  For some reason, his words comforted me. Maybe because when I set my fork aside and took the time to glance around the table, all I met were kind, curious eyes. Perhaps their curiosity had nothing to do with my connection to the Morrigan but with the fact that I was the daughter of their high queen. That thought alone helped warm me and dispel some of my fears.