Conall said nothing. It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. One I knew to be true. My heart ached as if it had been carved from my still breathing body. At the same time, I felt a wrath deep inside me at having been discarded so easily. So quickly. My anger didn’t stop at him. I couldn’t believe that I was so foolish. How could I have been so blind? Again?
Conall picked me up in his arms, walking me over to the horses. He put me down so I could stand, placing his hands on both sides of my face. Piercing my eyes with his he spoke as forcefully and regally as I’d ever heard. “We are going to go back. Emrys is beginning a Samhain celebration the likes that no one has ever seen. We are going to begin the feast as is our duty and enjoy this night. I cannot tell you how sorry I am for what has happened. You know, I… I…”
I put my fingers to Conall’s lips. I stopped crying and said, “You needn’t say any more, my King. I will be composed by the time we arrive. I was taken by surprise is all.” I hesitated. “I’ll be fine.”
Conall gave me his little crooked smile and bowed. “To the celebration, then.”
Chapter 19
I kept true to my word. I composed myself by the time we arrived. Conall caught me up on Treasach, Alastar and Aine and I couldn’t wait to see them. My heart was heavy in my chest and my gut felt like an empty pit. I could not control how I felt but I could control how I acted. Barely.
We made good time as we rode towards the stables. I expected to see people but none were to be found.
Conall smiled and winked. “Everyone will be on the back lawn. Emrys no doubt has everything ready and is just waiting on us.”
“That’s precisely correct, Your Majesty,” Emrys boomed as he appeared from nowhere.
We both dismounted our horses and turned them loose in the pasture.
Emrys gave me one of his famous bear hugs. I looked at him and smiled. I was hurt, but I wouldn’t show it tonight. Tonight I was going to enjoy my people. My family. The fate of our realm still hung in uncertainty. These celebrations were to be reminders to enjoy the moments, the time that we did have.
Emrys pulled back and rubbed his fingers on his chin. “We’re going full on traditional tonight.” Then he snapped his fingers.
I felt a gush of air whip at me and as quick as it came on, it fled. I felt myself off balance and I realized I was no longer wearing my boots.
“Here let me help cure your curiosity,” Emrys said, placing a reflection spell in front of me.
I stood staring into the ‘mirror’ that Emrys had created. I wore a gown of gold, actual spun gold, that clung and flowed. It was like the one my mother had been crowned Queen in. I remember thinking the first time I saw it as a child that it was the most beautiful piece of clothing that had ever been created. I still held that belief. It was amazing.
“Oh Emrys it’s… I’m breathless,” I said softly.
“You make us all breathless,” Conall whispered. I saw his reflection as he walked up behind me. He wore a golden breastplate with ornate knot work and dragon carved upon it. His trousers, boots, everything, gold just like my gown.
He gently ran his hands over the soft curls that hung down my back. Emrys had woven an ornate braid, pulling the hair around my face back into a half updo. I had worn my hair like this many times before. I smiled knowing why he had my hair fixed like this.
“Shall we?” Emrys led the way from the stables.
We turned the corner but before we could make our way to the back lawn where the party would be we stopped. I could hear voices but it looked completely black. Not even any modern lights were on.
Treasach, Alastar and Aine stood smiling at seeing King Conall, Emrys and myself come around the corner. Treasach’s gold breastplate had the stag carved into it while Alastar’s had the bull. Fitting for both of them. Aine’s golden mermaid style gown was velvet and her hair wound up high upon her head. I noticed Deidra standing next to Aine and she made her way to me.
Deidra was one of the most stunning women I’d ever laid eyes upon. I could see why she held the King’s eye. She wore a gown of silver and her platinum hair rippled with every step she took. She stopped short of me and bowed. She raised her head and for the first time since we’ve known one another, looked me in the eye and spoke with no edge. “Morrigan, I have no words for the loss you have endured today. For the loss you have endured in your past. I am truly sorry. I cannot right what has been wronged. I have never told you that because of fear. Fear that I would lose the love of the King. But I am sorry.”
I was truly taken aback at how genuinely she spoke. I grabbed her hand and squeezed knowingly. I didn’t dare speak, I had a lump in my throat that threatened to escape.
“Well let’s get this show started,” Emrys said with a twinkle in his eye.
I couldn’t see Emrys. Myself, King Conall, Treasach, Alastar, Aine and Deidra were suspended above the roof of the residence. There wasn’t a light to be seen. A magic veil held even the moon’s light. I felt a weight upon my head and I smiled.
Emrys had no need for a sound system. I knew not where he was but his voice boomed over the crowd. “Tuatha, Druids and Knights. We are gathered here in celebration of Samhain. To give thanks for a plentiful year! To feast! Together we will battle and prevail over evil. This night though, is for festivities. I give to you, your royal family!”
The crowd cheered. A spotlight of candlelight illuminated us. My eyes adjusted and I looked at Conall. His crown sat regally upon his head. While his was thick, it was not tall. Mine was thin and ornate and very tall. The weight of it was more than I remembered.
King Conall took my hand and we began to proceed down the invisible staircase leading us to the ground. Blackness still blanketed the crowd, and I could see no one.
“King Conall and Queen Morrigan,” Emrys announced as we touched the ground.
Then as one by one descended he continued, “Prince Treasach… Prince Alastar… Princess Aine… Lady Deidra.”
The crowd cheered at the announcement of each name. I could also catch the gasps and confusion from the Druids and Knights who were unaware I was Queen. They continued cheering as we made our way down the lawn towards the large pile of wood for the lighting of the bonfire ceremony. Emrys hadn’t disappointed, and even though the grounds were still shrouded in darkness I could tell by the crushed red velvet carpet under my feet even I was going to be wowed tonight.
I glanced at Conall, he looked every bit the King he was. He must’ve read my mind as he said, “You look regal as ever, my Queen.”
I was more comfortable leading the Teulu. I had been Queen for over five hundred years. Well over five hundred years, before we went into our slumber, that is. I was never comfortable in ceremonies such as these and always pretended to be my mother. She acted and looked like a queen at all times. I kept my shoulders back. I glided in long strides, keeping my head high, never letting my crown slip. Just like she taught me.
I picked Emrys’ voice out of the crowd. It was in his regular tone, not the one he projected to the crowd. He was close, speaking to an observer. Conall heard it too. Though neither of us glanced in the direction of the conversation, Conall gave my hand a squeeze at hearing it, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a tiny grin creep up on his face.
I heard Neil first. “Queen Morrigan?”
Emrys chuckled then said, “Did you not know that, boy?”
“No.” Neil sounded as if he were in shock. “But Deidra? I thought she was the King’s wife?”
Emrys answered, “Nope. Your marriage ceremonies are similar to the Tuatha. Till death do you part. Except the Tuatha take vows very seriously. They live much, much longer than you humans so it isn’t unheard of for a married couple to live separate love lives, but the bond of marriage still remains.”
Neil said nothing but Emrys paused for effect then continued. “Conall and Morrigan were both Teulu and fought together side by side for a century when they fell in love. You know how it goes. Got married, had kids, the
n...”
“Kids?” Neil interrupted.
“Well yeah. Treasach, Alastar and Aine. Hell, Aine looks almost identical to Morrigan. Did you never notice?” Emrys was egging him on. “Treasach looks a lot like his father but Alastar strongly resembles Morrigan’s father.”
Neil was still confused. “But Deidra?”
Emrys was kind in his answer, no doubt because he knew we were listening. After the way Deidra had greeted me upon my return I had softened towards her and let any animosity that still lingered go. “Morrigan and Daur were on a quest and were caught in another realm fighting a war for over a century. When she returned, the King had found comfort with Deidra and had fallen in love with her. He thought Morrigan dead, having been gone that long.”
“So he chose Deidra?” Neil asked.
Emrys replied, “He waited one hundred years before he accepted Morrigan’s death. And chose Deidra after Morrigan returned? That’s not at all what I said.”
Silence, then Emrys said, “Gotta go, things to do and all.”
My heart panged at hearing Emrys recount my return to find Conall was with Deidra. I understood Conall had waited. I had no way to get back home or send word to him and fought as hard as I could to return. I sympathized with Deidra. No matter how hurt I was to see Conall with her. I knew that if I said that I wanted him to be with me, even though he cared for her very much, he would return in an instant, even now. She knew it as well, and I felt sorry for her for that.
Conall and I made our way to the end of the carpet. Emrys was now off to the side and nodded at the King.
King Conall spoke, commanding the crowd. “I am pleased that the full royal family is here in celebration of Samhain. Queen Morrigan has returned with good news. Our Queen, always finding… no, creating… creating hope, even when hope seems lost. She is our shining light. Tomorrow she will lead yet another quest to save the realm. But tonight, we celebrate!”
I bowed to King Conall, as did our children, Deidra, and the rest of the crowd. Conall, Deidra, the children and myself stood and faced the bonfire to be lit. We raised our hands, and using the bit of magic we had, shot flames into the large woodpile. With a whoosh a twenty story bonfire ignited. The crowd stood and cheered.
Emrys took over from there. The large bonfire’s flames danced and jumped, lighting up other, smaller bonfires that hung high up in the air. The sky was alight and the smoky scent warmed the air. Tables heaped with roasted meats, baskets of bread and herbed vegetables lined the lawn. Music filled the air and mugs of ale welcomed everyone to their seats.
We took our place at the head table. I took the throne to the King’s right, Deidra sitting on his left. Treasach, Alastar and Aine sat to my right. I allowed myself to feel the joy of having my family and friends with me. To not let Neil, who thought so little of me that I was replaced after a few months, ruin my evening. I refused to let him ruin one moment of my life. Any grieving I did at the Great Oak would be the only grieving I would do. At least that’s what I told myself.
I looked at Deidra. She gave me a warm smile. We had come to an understanding, she and I. I simply nodded my thanks. I knew the King loved her. I knew he loved me as well. He had room for both of us in his heart. At times I wished I could live with that. I was not made that way, though.
I enjoyed every bite of the feast and every ounce of the ale I drank. Emrys and I shared a few glances, knowing it would be a long while before we enjoyed festivities again. I caught the King up on what Druantia had shared with us and what must be done. He was not pleased, but as King, knew the quest was our only hope.
Conall leaned towards me to say softly, “Are you up for leaving tomorrow at sunset with Emrys and Neil, or do you need more time?”
I’d stuck to the promise I made myself about remaining composed and answered, “There is no more time, my King. I am fine.”
Conall nodded towards Daur. “Looks like your old friend is ready for a dance. Go enjoy this night.”
And I did.
Chapter 20
The Samhain celebration lasted until sunrise. Once the sun came up we made our way back to our rooms. King Conall had taken it upon himself to have my stuff moved to a different room. I appreciated the gesture. No need to have old memories try to pull at me if it could be avoided.
I awoke in the strange room, taking a moment to remember where I was. The shades were drawn to keep the daylight out, but by midafternoon the light was winning, and I pulled myself from the featherbed.
Glad that I had slept so soundly and had a wonderful evening with friends and family I put my leathers on. I stared in the mirror as I braided my hair and wound it tight on top of my head. I put my two medium swords and longsword into their sheaths on my back. Two short knives went into each boot.
The residence was eerily quiet. I ate and made my way to the library. I was shocked to see Neil there and my skin pricked as the adrenalin shot through me.
He looked up at me and began, “Listen, Morrigan I just want to say how sorry I am. I…”
I cut him off. “No apologies, Neil, they’re pointless. Apologies are only to make the asshole feel better. Not the one that was wronged. If it’s forgiveness you seek, ask the Creator. You won’t get it from me.”
“Wow.” He shook his head. “I understand you’re upset. I never meant to—”
Again I cut him off. With no emotion in my eyes or voice I said, “Neil, what’s done is done. There is no need to speak about this any further. The fate of the realm rests on us succeeding in this impossible task. Let’s just focus on that.”
Thankfully Emrys walked in, followed by Conall. I was relieved to not be alone with Neil, but the tension rose as the King stopped an inch from Neil and looked down at him. The King looked more like a lethal warrior than a leader at the moment. He was menacing.
His voice was slow and though it was even, the edge in it was apparent. “You are an insignificant piece of shit. If you were not necessary to this quest, I would drive my sword into you a thousand times. When this is done, you need to make sure you stay clear of me, or I will.”
Neil looked defiantly up at the King, not backing down. “And Riley and our unborn child? While I’m gone will you harm them?”
The air thickened with tension. I saw Conall’s jaw tense though his expression hadn’t changed. It took all my control to keep my face from reacting. The food I had just eaten churned. Outwardly I remained stoic. I looked at Emrys. He fidgeted with his fingernail the way he always did when he wanted to appear calm.
The King smiled. This was definitely his ‘Relax, I’m not going to kill you right now but when I can I will and I will do it painfully’ smile. His voice dropped barely above a whisper. This was a warning and Neil knew it. “I wouldn’t touch the woman and child. But this changes nothing between you and I.”
Emrys broke the tension before Neil could reply, surely escalating the situation. “Okay, everyone here has a big cock, wonderful. Mine is the biggest. The Blood Moon opens at nine Eastern time. No need to get there right away. Why don’t we all just enjoy the rest of the day? We’ll meet in the stables at eight. Be dressed in battle gear.”
Neil headed out the door. The King, Emrys and I stayed behind. Emrys said, “Well damn, Morrigan. You not only got cheated on, he got the girl knocked up. You could go on Springer.”
I laughed at the reference. “You know I have to laugh to keep from crying. This is fucked up.”
The King’s mood had lightened as well. “I did not see that coming.”
We poured a drink and laughed. The jovial mood reminded me of simpler times, when I was just a warrior with no personal life that complicated things.
“I’m going to spend the rest of the day with the children. Conall, I’ll come see you before we head to the Great Oak,” I said as I walked out.
Chapter 21
Brian and Daur accompanied us on the ride to the Great Oak. Daur kept us entertained with his lively stories. Without him we surely would have ridden in sil
ence.
We dismounted and I handed the reins to them.
“Brian, I’m not sure how long we’ll be. Pray the Creator we’re back in time. Continue trainings and counsel the King in my absence,” I said then turned to Daur. “You keep my children ready. You hear me?”
He laughed and kissed my hand. “Anything for you, my Queen.” Then he picked me up and hugged me.
“Okay, let’s do this,” Emrys said, standing next to Neil.
I took the lead and walked through the Great Oak. Emrys took Neil’s arm and led him through.
We exited into New York City. We were in a park. It was dark but still there were people about.
“Emrys, mirage,” I barked.
“Done,” he replied.
“What’s that all about?” Neil asked, turning to me.
“We’re decked out in leathers and swords. The humans will see us as just three forgettable figures walking through the streets. I can create my own mirage but Emrys needs to create yours,” I answered.
We walked to The Blood Moon, less than a mile away. I was amazed at how vast the city seemed. I had seen it on television of course, but experiencing it was a wonder I wasn’t prepared for. Standing across the street we could see a line of humans waiting to get in that wound around the building. It seemed a seedy part of town to have this large a crowd. There were no other businesses open in the area. From the outside it looked to be a large warehouse. The Blood Moon sign was in neon, offering the only color on the grey façade.
The music could be heard from the outside. Techno. It was awful. I dreaded having to walk in and hear it at full volume. Hopefully the smell would be better, because the street reeked of garbage, urine and filth.
We walked to the doorman, cutting in line. There were some yells from the crowd but Emrys got us in without incident.
Inside the music thumped. Years of alcohol being sloshed onto the floor and rarely cleaned permeated the air. It was dark with only red lights illuminating the large space. The place was massive. There was an area with a long bar that had at least twenty bartenders. In front of the bar, couches and chairs were filled with people partying. The dance floor was the size of our great dining hall and was elbow to elbow with people dancing.
Awakening - The Morrigan Chronicles Page 10