Carrying the
Shining Sword

Ray McCarthy

Sample Version

Five Complete Chapters

Books by Ray McCarthy

Talents Universe

The Apprentice’s Talent

The Journeyman’s Talent

The Solar Alliance

Starship Chief

The Master’s Talent

The Legal Talent

The Mission’s Talent

Tellus’s Last Talents

Celtic Otherworld

Under the Stone of Destiny

Carrying the Shining Sword

Seeking the Flaming Spear

Hero Genesis

No Silver Lining

Exiles and Rooks

Fairy Godmothers

Conspiracies and Rooks

The Fay Child

Artists and Rooks

Dwarves and Rooks

Goths and Rooks

Jewels and Rooks

Tom Óg and the Firebirds

The Wooing of Marion

The Ensorcelled Maid

Four Kids, one Foxe

Geena and the Prince

Trader’s Isle

The Seven Talismans

The White Fire Stones

Carrying the Shining Sword

Ray McCarthy

Celtic Otherworld II

Who has poisoned Megra and her father, the Emperor? Eilis (Alice) accepts she is different and reveals why to her four friends. They learn about Skandi culture and the forbidden Skand magic. They take ship to another continent in search of an antidote and answers.

Cover: Edited detail from The Love Potion by Evelyn De Morgan.

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Title: Carrying the Shining Sword

Copyright © 2017, 2021 Ray McCarthy, M. Watterson

Revision 1.22

Smashwords eBook ISBN: 9781370829958

Amazon ASIN: B06XJHVZQN

Also published by Corvids Press

Corvids Press epub ISBN: 9781801020718

Large Print ISBN: 9781801020152

Hardback ISBN: 9781801020015

Large paperback ISBN: 9781801020299

Medium paperback ISBN: 9781801020435

Pocketbook ISBN: 9781801020572

CC Audiobook ISBN: 9781801021395

BISAC: Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure

About 54,300 words

Celtic Otherworlds

Unlike Greek and Roman myth, there are many Celtic Otherworlds that appear to be magical and often inhabited by the Fair Folk (Fay, Fairy, Elves, Sióg) or sometimes the Tuath Dé (later called Tuatha De Danann). They are not realms of the dead. The oldest Norse legends have many similar aspects to the oldest Celtic myths.

In some legends it’s told that Manannán Mac Lir led the Tuath Dé away to an Otherworld via the mounds over 2500 years ago at the end of war with the incoming Milesian Celts.

The Celtic Otherworld series has this not as world belonging to the Sióg also called the Fay, the Good Neighbours, the Fair Folk, the People of the Woods, the Elves, the Lords and Ladies and the Sidhe, but a world with Aliens that remind the humans of old stories.

https://www.corvidspress.com/

Visit the site to make comments, corrections or visit the blogs. The link, text and QR code are all the same location. Use your phone’s QR scanner if reading on paper or an old ereader with no HTTPS support.

Notes

Extensive use is made of older sources rather than more modern ones. In many cases modern and old Irish has been used to simulate Teanga Sióg or the language of the Tuath Dé. The Tuath Dé spoke a proto-Celtic language, likely related to the oldest Q-Gaelic or pre-Fifth Century Old Irish. There is no assurance any usage of any language is correct.

Pronunciations of common names in the text:

Badb. Might be from Badhbh with the dots lost, see below, so would be like Beeve

Eilis = Ailish

Eithne Eid-ne, intended here, not Enya which is likely from Áine.

Étaín = AY-teen

Neamhain is an archaic female name, possibly pronounced Neevean. Nevin is close modern, male version. Many Irish (Gaelic) speakers don’t know how names that have fallen out of use are pronounced. Some common names today might be over 1,500 years old, such as Donal.

Micheal is the correct Irish spelling.

Sorcha = Shor-ka here, though some claim Circa and Sore-ha.

Sidhe = Shee

Tuath Dé, Teanga Sióg, Irish/Gaelic:

C is hard, like k, ck or q almost never like ceiling.

Caoimhín is modern spelling for Caoimhghín = Kevin

S is mostly sh, almost never like sailing or sister.

An accent (fada) usually lengthens a vowel. Originally i had no dot to avoid confusion with í.

The lenited consonants are bh, ch, dh, fh, gh, mh, ph, sh and th are all modifications to the initial consonant and the h was originally a dot above the letter. Originally Celtic languages had no h. The dh is either silent or like a whispered y in modern Irish. The fh and gh is usually silent today, thus Maghnus is pronounced Man-us. Sometimes bh and mh are both pronounced like v, sometimes more like f and w.

There were no j, q, v, w, x, y or z letters originally, though modernised Gaelic spellings may have them and some of the sounds existed.

Today you spell and pronounce an Irish name according to the wishes of the person. Thus Medb, Medhbh, Méabh, Maedhbh, Maebh are all pronounced Maeve. The db was probably dotted thus dhbh.

Names of other species that are not human or Fay (Sióg) are written for English speakers.

There was no border control between Sweden and Denmark from the 1950s till 2015.

Contents

Chapter 1: Artistic Progress Committee

Chapter 2: Commotion!

Chapter 3: The Manor

Chapter 4: The Docks

Chapter 5: Sea voyage

Chapter 6: Last Year’s Arrival

Chapter 7: The Island

Chapter 8: Horgath City

Chapter 9: The Pass

Chapter 10: House Hidonthraen

Chapter 11: Maaricule

Chapter 12: Flight

Chapter 13: Svipdagsvanger

Chapter 14: The Search

Chapter 15: The Portal

Chapter 16: Ireland

Appendix

Other Books

The Celtic Otherworld Series

The Talent Universe Series

The Trader’s Isle Series

Chapter 1: Artistic Progress Committee

Princess Megra re-read the letter out loud to her father, the Emperor, technically ruler of all the Lorinokin, called Elves by the Tuath Dé.

“Due to the increased cordiality and relations between Lorinokin, Kranokin, Baltie and Tuath Dé you are invited to become a member of the Artistic Progress Council. The current members are drawn from the Magi, the leadership of the Druids of Ollathair and the Privy Councils of the Tuath Dé nations. You may nominate up to three representatives. You or your representatives will have three votes. As previously discussed, the content of meetings is secret unless there is unanimous vote to share the item of art.”

Very pretty, she thought. Obviously some people amongst the Tuath Dé had learned not just her language but the ideographic writing too. It didn’t have many mistakes.

“Tell me what you know of this council,” said the Emperor.

“Originally the council had been for songs, ballads, images, maps, stories and such, but news, history, science and technology from the Old World of the Tuath Dé has gradually been added. The council decided what information to import and how to share it. Up till now the only representative outside of the Tuath Dé was the Magi Council as they controlled the Portals. King Patrick IV had told me that the machined gonne, or rapid fire-gun, had never been approved. At the very least, Elcamar and his twin Ealcmhar had been bringing both designs and machines from the Old World.”

“So why now after 600 years do we Lorinokin, the Kranokin and Baltie get invited to join the club, Megra?” he said.

“You know why.”

“Yes I do,” he explained, “but for my piece of mind I need to hear you say it. The Chief Councillor is also interested to hear your analysis.”

Megra looked briefly at Councillor Fianel. “Manannán and the other Aés Sidhe were here with the connivance of some of the Magi and the Ard Rígan of the Aés Sidhe, Queen Oonagh more than 600 years ago. The Tuath Dé leaders have painted a history of the Tuath Dé being refugees after losing a war and the Aés Sidhe as mythical. The real truth is in our records and is now public, it was an exile forced by the High Queen Oonagh of the Aés Sidhe due to Tuath Dé acquiring magic via intermarriage with the Fay Aés Sidhe, who all have at least some magic. The exile was actually because they were winning. So it’s our world, they actually don’t have the right to bring in anything on their own account. Having people apart from the Tuath Dé helps legitimise it for them. The original deal letting the Tuath Dé settle would put the Aés Sidhe under obligation to us, so they extended their compact about Demigods to us and some other details I don’t understand yet, claiming that made it equal. The Tuath Dé don’t want to end up pariahs like the Skands, so they want us involved.”

“Should we join, Princess Megra?” asked the Councillor Fianel.

“Art is a euphemism for technology and books now,” said Megra, “so it’s better we have a voice, as the Kranokin and Baltie, only called Dwarves and Dryads in the Tuath Dé languages, are unlikely to refuse. I think the Baltie will always vote with us unless we are being daft. My experience of the Magi at the College and Ghiloric in particular suggests that we will be Inamok on this committee, not Lorinokin and Kranokin. After all, we get on fine on the other two main continents. I imagine you have spoken to Chief Herrinagh because as leader of the Dalrinath Dwarves he is the most influential. It’s ironic that they give themselves the Tuath Dé name in the city. So in conclusion, we should join but suggest some conditions, negotiate.”

“Yes,” said the Emperor, “I’ve met with Lord Janneth of the Baltie too. I’m pleased that you don’t have some of the local prejudices, you will join Lord Fianel and I as our official representatives. We can bring as many experts and officials as we like to do the actual evaluation. Then based on their advice, we will vote. So we have nine votes. We will pool technical resources—”

“No, we have seven,” said Megra. “The Tuath Dé are counting the Baltie as one nation, not three, but we and Kranokin as three nations each, though Queen Oonagh counted us as one! The Tuath Dé have four votes, one for each of their four kingdoms, the Magi Council has one and the Druids have one. I checked.”

“Lord Janneth didn’t mention that,” said Fianel.

“It’s logical from the Tuath Dé point of view,” said the Emperor. “Go on Megra, you have an idea, I can tell.”

“So we have six, not counting Janneth’s vote,” explained Megra, “to the four nations and the Druids. Add the fact that the Magi Council might be seen by some as supporting the Tuath Dé, or at least wanting to use the Portals, we are happy to have the status quo, without importing alien ideas, so there could be stalemate. I’d propose that the Dryads, the Baltie, have permanent chairmanship instead of the Magi Council. They, like the Tuath Dé are not native. It’s no danger to us and it looks like a magnanimous gesture?”

“I’ll suggest it,” said the Emperor. “The only other business is the succession, the full council unanimously voted that they will have Fianel as Regent in the event of my demise. Then if after a year the Regent is satisfied, you’ll be ratified as Empress. This will not be affected by marriage, before or after. If you do marry someone they will have a courtesy title of prince and only even sit on the council if you and the council agree to it. Do you accept?”

“I said I would do any duty required of me excepting an arranged marriage. I do hope you live long enough to see grandchildren and also you don’t have any notion of retiring.”

Fianel and the Emperor laughed.

“You have someone in mind to marry, Princess Megra?” asked Fianel.

“Maybe in a year or two,” said Megra. “I promise to tell you two first.”

“You’d not look for an endorsement?” asked Fianel.

“No,” said Megra. “If I can be trusted to run the House Hulredrinani, then surely I can be trusted to marry suitably? Well, I know it’s not as simple as that. I’ll certainly seriously consider any advice. I won’t be emotionally foolish.”

“So you would refuse a suitor if you were given a compelling reason?” asked the Emperor.

“I’d hope I’d be sensible,” said Megra. “Doontrat was an unreasonable imposition.”

“I think we all learnt something then,” agreed Fianel.

“If nothing else I should have consulted a good legal expert instead of panicking at the last minute,” said Megra. “I was foolish.”

* * *

“It sounds ominous, Kevin,” said Barry. “Artistic Progress Committee?”

“Surely you must of heard of it?” asked Kevin.

“Broadly, my Lady mentioned it,” said Barry, “I guess all the Tuath Dé are vaguely aware it somehow is involved with regulating what information is disseminated from the Old World via the Portals.”

“I can’t believe you don’t know more.”

“I’m making fun,” said Barry. “Eithne got me invited to the assembly welcoming the Dwarves, Elves and Dryads to the Artistic Progress Committee, formerly the Artistic Progress Council. Only one vote each to the Tuath Dé? Six votes hardly seems fair.”

“Strictly though the Magi Council vote isn’t a Tuath Dé vote and the Druids, the Christian leaders, while purely Tuath Dé, have never supported a narrow interest, they are very cautious and conservative. The Kranokin and Lorinokin each get three votes and the Baltie get one.”

“I suppose we should use their own names,” agreed Barry. “It’s an interesting development that we have agreed to have the Baltie prioritise the agenda and chair the committee of each session.”

* * *

Everyone was careful to ensure that there was nothing unusual or controversial on this first session of the increased size of committee. Some Victorian English novels would be translated now that all the 18th century novels such as Jane Austin’s had been printed in Lárnian. Technology concentrated on improvements to steam engines and the possible selection of various electrical technologies that could be supported by the existing materials science and manufacturing infrastructure. There was no possibility of duplication of diesel or petrol engines, transistors, television, or computers as the materials needed could not be produced. Batteries, copper wire, simple electric generators and motors could be made with their existing materials science and manufacturing. Telegraph and later simple telephones using carbon microphones. Though decent light bulbs and thermionic vacuum tubes needed tungsten filaments, which couldn’t yet be produced in sufficient quantity, so tungsten processing would be a priority.

Chapter 2: Commotion!

There was a commotion in the corridor. Quickly Kevin dressed and went out of his abbey cell.

He found Ghiloric heading up the stairs.

“It’s Megra and the Emperor!” he exclaimed. “They have been poisoned!”

“They aren’t… Dead?” Kevin was appalled.

“No, but it’s serious!”

“It’s a pity it’s so far.”

“No, they are here,” said Ghiloric, “they hadn’t gone home yet from the assembly of the new Artistic Progress Committee. They were poisoned at their inn. So they were brought to the Dalrinath City Infirmary.”

“Can we visit?”

“No visitors,” explained Ghiloric, “also there is military security as well as Lorinokin warriors guarding them. It’s close enough to breakfast time, so let’s go to an inn, my treat. Maybe later we can get in.”

“Do Alice and Anrhi know?” asked Kevin.

“Anrhi’s at college, they’ll be semaphored with the news. I’ve no idea where Alice is, she’s vanished again, though Cara is in the livery stables near the courthouse.”

“I wonder is she using the Portals and visiting Ireland?” mused Kevin.

~

Ghiloric took them to the Drunken Sailor, their favourite inn in Dalrinath. They picked a table near the fire.

“So who is responsible?” asked Kevin. “Will they recover all right? Why were they still here?”

“Officially it was a Skand mercenary acting for the Evil Enchanter, except usually the death of the paymaster voids the contract. Also the poison was a magic potion. They were meeting the Dwarf leaders, I was supposed to meet with them today. Chief Councillor Fianel escaped hurt, he’s now acting Prince Regent. Other than that I know nothing. Can they expect help from Manannán?”

“I doubt it,” said Kevin. “He’s not a healer anyway.”

“Alice mentioned that few Fay are healers,” mused Ghiloric. “Apparently they don’t get ill and heal in hours from injuries anyway.”

“I guess the Dwarves have you involved because you know Megra well?”

“Aye, well…” Ghiloric hesitated. “We were getting to know each other a little more between the meetings.”

The maid sat down a tray. “That’s three shillings each,” she stated, “assuming you want a pot of tea too?”

Ghiloric gave her half a crown. “Yes please. Looks lovely.”

After eating for a while Kevin aired the thought he had.

“Doontrat, the Emperor’s Nephew,” he suggested.

“Aye,” agreed Ghiloric, “I’m sure a lot of people are thinking that. He’d likely think he’d be back in the running as next Emperor if he listened to idle chatter. Megra though has given me all the insider politics. He’s got zero chance and knows it. But how would he have organized a Skand Mercenary and a magic potion?”

“Perhaps ages ago, via some Elf in Hy Brasil, or Vanaheimr as the Skands call it?”

“We call that continent Kranimok and the Lorinokin call it something more long winded that likely means the same.”

“I suppose we ought to stop imposing our Tuath Dé names on everyone!” said Kevin.

~

Back at the Abbey they met the senior Baltie Mage, Lahro.

“Any news of Megra and the Emperor?” asked Ghiloric.

“I’m on my way to discuss it with our Chancellor Eithne, she hadn’t gone back to college yet. Chancellor Mordechai and his friends won’t be coming back, as I guess you know, so no help there. I’ve called David and Naomi, they are on their way in from college. I know you and Kevin are fond of Megra and with Anrhi are her best friends, so I’ll tell you in confidence that we have stabilized them but need an antidote. Tell Eilis if you see her. No-one knows where she is, though that’s hardly unusual.”

“Thanks,” said Kevin, “can you tell us more later?” Kevin wondered could he and Ghiloric help find an antidote.

“If Chancellor Eithne agrees.”

They watched Lahro hurry off up the passage.

“So what now, Ghiloric?”

“We go to the library and see why a poison would need to involve a magic potion. Plenty of effective poisons without enchanting them. Bran is still here since the Artistic Progress Committee meetings.”

~

“Bran,” asked Kevin, “why would someone enchant a poison?”

“You are trying to think of something for the Elven Emperor and Megra?”

The Librarian pointed at the stacked books and heaped scrolls on his desk. “I’m already researching. I have some of the Druid’s books too. They have nothing before the Crossing, the Migration, as they used to be against writing down any knowledge, especially if it was important.”

“So any ideas?” asked Ghiloric.

“The reason for an enchanted poison is so that a Mage can’t heal the victim,” explained Bran. “You need a specific enchanted antidote, a second magic potion.”

* * *

Kevin found Alice listening to Donal and Neamhain. Anrhi was with them too.

“You heard, Anrhi?” asked Kevin.

“Yes, it’s very bad,” she said. “Sit over here, they are trying to have a private discussion in public, I’ve no idea why.”

Kevin couldn’t quite make out what it was about. He something to do with being missing.

“Where have you been?” he quietly asked Alice when they seemed finished.

“Here in the Abbey.”

“I couldn’t find you?”

“Just leave me alone, Kevin,” complained Alice. “I’ll talk to you later, I’m upset about Megra.”

Neamhain reached over to Kevin.

“Go find me Bran.”

Kevin realized that whatever about finding Bran, yet again he wasn’t welcome. He had a strange feeling for a moment and then realised almost the same thing had happened at this very table nearly a year ago. He was confused, sometimes Alice seemed to want his company and other times, she didn’t. Though mostly she didn’t. Bran wasn’t in the library. Eventually he worked up the courage and went to the office Chancellor Eithne had on loan from the Druids for city business.

“Excuse me,” he hesitated, “Naomi sent me to look for Bran?”

“He’s just left,” explained Eithne. “He’s gone Carrigbawn Manor to check out the facilities for the new library extension and report on progress, so he’ll search the library there too.”

“Thanks.”

Eventually he found Neamhain with Alice in a sort of gazebo in the grounds of the Abbey.

“Hello,” he called, “can I come in?”

Alice scowled.

“Yes, do,” insisted Neamhain, “we are just finished our private chat. You can tell Kevin if you like, Alice.”

Alice grunted.

“I couldn’t find Bran because he’s gone to Carrigbawn Manor to see how the library extension is progressing. He’ll look for any useful books there too.”

“That’s fine, I left a note for him at his desk,” said Neamhain. “Kevin, there will be no more lessons at college for a while. Chancellor Eithne has decided on a summer break. Alice, why not get Kevin to show you around, he knows the city well. You need to get some clothes again, I know it sounds callous, but you can’t stop doing everyday things because Megra and the Emperor are ill. Perhaps later I can get you two, Anrhi and Ghiloric into the Infirmary for a visit. That’s if you don’t mind, Kevin?”

“Yes, fine,” said Kevin. “You’ve been?”

“Yes as soon as we got here, David and I went with Lahro and Eithne. We could do nothing.”

“I don’t need to study?” asked Alice sounding suspicious.

“You will need to keep up studying hard to catch up,” said Neamhain, “me too, actually I’m about 550 years out of date! Actually 2,500 in my mother’s Court. Let’s have a break from study for a while. Donal, I mean David is going to show me around. Apart from your coming out ball last year when you were fourteen you have hardly been away from Carrigbawn. You have been doing very well in class. You will need to study while the college is closed, but don’t worry about it this week.”

“I don’t mind,” said Kevin.

Alice didn’t look very happy and was silent for a moment. Then she grabbed Neamhain and hugged her.

“You can spend all the coin David and I gave you, treat yourself. I’ll get you more money. You need clothes again, between growing out of them and wearing them out. Get a mix of practical clothes and fancy stuff.”

“I guess so then,” said Alice doubtfully, “but don’t we need a chaperone? Does Faolchú have to come?”

“See if Ghiloric and Anrhi will go,” said Neamhain, “otherwise ask Chancellor Eithne to organise someone. I do trust you, but appearances are important. Or they were nearly 600 years ago. I’ll see what David thinks, but the fact you asked suggests it’s needed. I thought the locals don’t bother from age fourteen. You’ll be fifteen in a month. The wolf can go or stay, what ever he wants.”

“Dratted wolf,” muttered Alice.

With that Neamhain strode off. She still looked every inch a warrior despite the fashionable noble outfit. Kevin thought it wasn’t hard at all to imagine her as Neamhain, one of the three Morrígna.

“Do you think she still misses her sisters, Badb and Macha?”

“Shush, not so loud,” said Alice. “Terribly, they were a triad, very close. Also she misses her three cousins, Banba, Fodla and Ériu, though they aren’t very powerful Magi, though were queens. They are also warriors, being Fay they all have some magic. She really understands how I feel. I’ve only recently discovered that a foster mother here is the sort of adoption you have if you have a live parent. She’s not at all motherly in a conventional way, but I find myself calling her mum sometimes. She’s right, I can’t put off buying clothes because Megra is ill. I just feel guilty about it because I love getting clothes.”

He was amazed at Alice’s interest in clothes. She’d been growing like a beanstalk for the last year and her clothes never seemed right. He suspected he knew more about clothes for Alice than Neamhain did. Alice was now the tallest student. He expected she might be close to Neamhain’s size in another year. He couldn’t imagine why on earth she wanted chaperoned and was cross with the wolf.

They went to a rather good inn near the Abbey after Ghiloric and Anrhi agreed to come too, The Tin Soldier rather than The Drunken Sailor because Kevin thought Alice needed the distraction of a fancier meal.

They sat studying the menu.

“Though I can read now, Kevin,” said Alice, “I’m not too clear on what some of these things are? You know well enough what I like. I’ve not seen a menu like this before.”

“This place is bit more posh. That’s why there was a bit of a fuss about Faolchú, so we have a private dining room. Folk from the Palace and the law courts come here. I’ll explain and order?”

“Yes.”

“Is there anything more you’ve decided you don’t like apart from seafood?”

“Um, raw meat.”

“There’s plenty more than that I don’t like,” said Anrhi. “You don’t like any seafood though? What about fresh water fish?”

“I don’t like any fish or things that live in any kind of water,” said Alice.

“That’s good to know,” said Kevin. “I think only your furry friend likes raw meat.”

“I hate feeding Faolchú, but can’t have him eating sheep at the manor,” said Alice. There was a low growl under the table. “Can you tell me any more about Megra and the Emperor?”

“They have been attacked with an enchanted poison,” said Ghiloric, “so the doctors and mages can’t do much without a magic potion, an antidote.”

“I know that much, that’s why I was grumpy,” responded Alice.

“They have put them into a deep sleep with magic,” explained Kevin, “but it’s only a little like hibernating, not a full Druid’s sleep. They are still slowly dying. Bran has been collecting and reviewing all the books on the subject.”

“So who did it?” asked Alice.

“A Skand mercenary assassin,” explained Ghiloric. “He’s been caught but thinks the enchanted poison, the magic potion, and money came from the Evil Enchanter, even though the pickup was in Kranimok, which you call Hy Brasil.”

“But my uncle is dead,” insisted Alice.

“Don’t think of him as your uncle, Alice,” said Kevin. He thought, don’t even mention the idea that he might have really been her father.

“He claims he hadn’t heard,” said Ghiloric, “and the coin and potion was at a drop, he never met the agent.”

“We think that Megra’s cousin had motive and is nasty enough,” said Kevin.

“Doontrat might have really been behind it,” agreed Ghiloric. “Lots of people think it, but there is no evidence. Personally, I think it’s unlikely. He’s not actually a total idiot and knows that the Lorinokin would never have him. It’s only uninformed chatter that has him as a suspect.”

“Megra! I still can’t believe it,” said Alice. “I do hope Neamhain can get us in for a visit.”

“So do I,” said Ghiloric.

Alice grabbed Ghiloric’s hand.

“We should help look for an antidote!” said Alice. “She was so sensible, strong and faithful after our trouble. I still don’t like to think of that day. Yet she was the only one of us with no magic.” Alice let go of Ghiloric.

“I think we won’t be the only people looking!” exclaimed Ghiloric. “The Skand insists he was contacted in Hy Brasil, what they call Vanaheimr.” He flexed his fingers.

“Who by?” asked Alice.

“Another Skand,” said Ghiloric.

“Perhaps it’s a Skand enchanted poison and that’s why the Mages can’t identify it?” suggested Kevin.

“It makes the idea that it was an old attack planned by the Evil Enchanter seem dubious,” added Alice.

“Then that’s where we should go,” said Ghiloric, “perhaps with Anrhi too. Do you two need anyone’s permission?”

“Try stopping me coming!” said Anrhi, “though I don’t fancy the voyage, I shall try and sleep on most of it.”

“I probably should ask my dad, I doubt it’s a problem even if classes start before we are back. It will take longer than expected too. Do you and Ghiloric need to ask anyone?”

“Baltie my age don’t have parents or guardians,” explained Anrhi. “We don’t have families and no close mother once we can walk.”

“I waited till I was old enough to leave the tribe,” said Ghiloric. “I guess I acknowledge Chief Herrinagh as a leader, but I don’t have to ask his permission. I’d tell my parents out of courtesy.”

Alice looked glum.

“What’s wrong, Alice?” asked Ghiloric.

“Neamhain as Naomi and Donal as David, on my papers, are both my guardians now, I’m practically adopted by Neamhain. I didn’t realise what a foster mother meant here. I guess I need permission from both of them. Can we say we just going on a holiday? Neamhain did say I should have a holiday now. I’ve so much to catch up on, I can’t be missing classes when they start again, so I’ll have to study too, that will help pass the journey time.”

“That wouldn’t be honest, Alice,” said Kevin. “You can though bring books and study on the ship. You do need to explain it’s more than a holiday. Besides it could be a third of a year.”

Alice stuck out her tongue at him.

Ghiloric laughed; “Will I ask Naomi for you? She’ll sort David and she’s not likely to mollycoddle you. At least if a tenth part even we Kranokin heard of the legendary Morrígna!”

“Shush,” said Alice softly, “we can’t be telling people that. Well, she certainly is bossy and fierce.” Alice closed her eyes for a moment. “She and her sisters are not the mothering type. I’m a bit surprised really. Actually, even if it’s some sort of ploy for David’s attention.”

“She wants David’s attention?” exclaimed Kevin.

“I’m not sure,” confessed Alice, “but she gets very cross with him. That’s a sign you know. I’ve not heard them mention marriage. I’ve dropped hints that I think they should.”

Ghiloric chuckled. “Surely living in the same house you know?”

“They do have separate bedrooms,” said Alice. “I’ve no idea if they keep to them.”

Kevin re-appraised Alice. How to tell when he was just annoying her and when her reaction meant something more? Was she just annoyed because of the poisoning? “Alice needs more clothes.”

“I think, Kevin, you’d have a reasonable idea of fashions for a young noble lady, though you’d be challenged finding even adult clothes that are ready made to fit you, Alice,” said Anrhi. “You’ll have to order some made.”

“I might need a few books too,” explained Alice. “I’ve to study a bit during the holidays. I find it hard studying alone, so I appreciate the help you have been, Anrhi.”

“It’s helped me too, Alice,” replied Anrhi. “I don’t like being alone.”

“Ye didne fancy sharing with Sorcha, Anrhi?” asked Ghiloric. “She’s alone too.”

“We did discuss it at the request of Chancellor Eithne, Matron and David,” said Anrhi. “We mutually agreed it wouldn’t work. No Dryad has ever shared with a non-Dryad, other than Megra and I. Sorcha screams in the middle of the night, often without waking. No-one knows why. She has severe claustrophobia, so she has a room with only one desk and bed. They are going to fit double glass doors in her wall during the alterations.”

“I didn’t realise she was still suffering,” said Kevin. “Is there no-one you can share with, Anrhi?”

“They are considering three and four person study bedrooms for Dryads,” said Anrhi. “I could cope with Alice. She understands Dryads.”

Kevin stared at Alice, amazed at this suggestion.

“Oh I don’t know,” said Alice. “We just ride and study together. Sometimes go for walks.”

“I know the dressmakers my mum used,” said Kevin. “She rarely bought ready made. We may get asked for papers with all the extra security now, due to the poisoning.”

“I carry my papers all the time now,” said Alice. “I’m not short of money either. The dressmakers will take a note of hand though, as they can cash it before they cut the cloth?”

“Yes, you can,” said Kevin. “Part in advance, part first fitting and then the final payment when you take it. You have an agent now in the city, not just Carrigbawn?”

“I only have an agent here, I only use coin in Carrigbawn.”

“Later we can visit my dad’s manor and go riding again?”

“I’m very grateful for Cara,” said Alice. “You really don’t mind me riding your mum’s horse?”

“No, dad and I are both glad,” said Kevin. “Where were you anyway? Cara was in the livery stables.”

“Yes,” said Alice, “she was fine this morning when I checked her. What will you, Anrhi and Ghiloric ride?”

“You saw my pony, he’s at the manor right now. A couple of other ponies are available.”

Chapter 3: The Manor

Kevin mounted his pony, Dubh. “You’re sure you are fine, Alice?” he asked anxiously.

“I told you before,” Alice said as she smoothly mounted Cara, “I did learn before I came. I’ve been riding Cara all autumn, winter and spring when the weather was suitable. Practically the best thing about coming here. I could never have afforded to keep my own horse in Ireland. I’d have ridden out here only I decided to be sociable and stay with you in the coach. I’m sure Cara didn’t like being led by the coach.”

“She can mount better than me,” remarked Ghiloric. “So can Anrhi. The pair of them ride together. Alice is a natural, unbelievable on a horse.”

“Or me,” said Anrhi.

“I’ve not seen you riding, though I remember you said you could, what are you riding at college?”

“Alice’s other horse, Síle,” said Anrhi. “Alice doesn’t like to ride alone.”

“How come you have two ponies?” exclaimed Kevin. “You never said.”

“You just don’t pay attention,” retorted Alice. Then she laughed.

“She was banned from Cara as a punishment,” said Anrhi trying not to laugh, “so she bought Síle from the dealer in Carrigbawn town. Does Neamhain know?”

“I told her eventually,” muttered Alice. “Apparently now I’m too old for punishments. I’ve discovered that just makes it more awkward.”

Kevin wondered exactly what Alice’s transgressions had been. “Does Neamhain know that you are the real owner of Síle?”

“I did try to give her to Anrhi,” said Alice. “Anrhi will only agree to ride her to keep me company. Neamhain knows that’s the arrangement. I felt bad when Neamhain thought it was generous of me, though Síle is a little awkward for Anrhi as she was for me and I’m 5’11” now. Just as well your mum was tall, so Cara is just as perfect for me.”

Anrhi adjusted her horse’s tack and lightly sprang into the saddle.

“So where to today?” asked Alice.

“The long meadow first, then Carrigbawn and you must be honest if you are getting sore.”

Alice laughed. “I won’t be. Besides, I proved it last summer, when your dad gave me Cara as a birthday present, that I can ride!”

“I’m not dressed for riding,” said Anrhi. “I’m lucky this is a very full dress and my shoes are not lighter. Still I’ve had to hitch it up a bit and it’s a bit uncomfortable and drafty. Just as well the good weather is in.”

Kevin trailed behind and Ghiloric took the lead. He watched Alice and Anrhi carefully. Certainly Anrhi had a lot of bare leg. Just as well it was good weather, normal just after Bealtaine. He must look out something for Alice’s birthday. They let the ponies have a short gallop. When they were trotting again he rode up beside her.

“Why are we going to Carrigbawn?” asked Alice. “You mean the town, not the college?”

“Yes. Barry’s place. He has an unusual library. Perhaps he has a book on Skand magic. Nothing in my dad’s library and Bran didn’t find any books with enough detail. They think the poison wasn’t using a Tuath Dé enchantment.”

“He’s the guy that employed, Ghiloric, Megra and you for a while?”

“Yes.”

“I did visit him once with Chancellor Eithne, I think they are likely to marry soon, they aren’t young!”

“You are turning into quite the matchmaker,” quipped Kevin. “You been dropping them hints too?”

“Who normally rides Ghiloric’s and Anrhi’s mounts?” asked Alice.

Obviously changing the subject, thought Kevin, well it had been unfair. Everyone expected an announcement about Barry and Eithne soon.

“My mother’s servant rode Anrhi’s. She’s gone to another lady. Dad talks of selling her. Ghiloric’s is for the trap used by the cook or Biddy the housekeeper for provisions. Really Biddy’s pony. She does sometimes ride out with the gamekeeper.”

Later they arrived at Barry’s establishment.

They sat down for lunch served by Beth.

“The place looks great!” said Kevin.

“Yes,” said Barry, “I’m well pleased. With the end of the war I’ve got three new workers and business is doing well. You and Ghiloric are looking prosperous. I’m sorry to hear about Megra and the Emperor. But—”

“Oh, sorry,” said Kevin, “these are our friends Anrhi and Alice, officially Eilis. We met Anrhi the day we arrived at college and we met Alice in the White Mountains.”

“Anrhi, Eilis?” said Barry, “at your service, as you realize, I’m Barry and this is my junior partner, Beth, a master baker and pastry cook.”

“I was here too one day during the winter with Chancellor Eithne,” said Alice.

“Congratulations, Beth,” said Ghiloric.

“Why, thank you,” said Beth. “Barry, if you weren’t so wrapped up with showing off your books to Eithne, you’d remember Eilis. She’s hardly insubstantial and was soaked that day in the rain. I dried her out in the bakery. I can’t imagine Eithne was in a much better state.”

“I really don’t remember that visit, sorry Eilis. I guess after lunch you’d all like to look at my library? I had my own little adventure in White Mountains. I believe you both might have seen me briefly, I was with Chancellor Eithne and Librarian Bran along with the Warband. An on the spot account of the battle for my newspaper columns. I wrote up a somewhat cautious account of the battle for the papers. The last battle of Manannán Mac Lir, the three Kings and Queens, the three Morrígna, Manannán Mac Lir’s youngest son Donal, Bran, Eithne and myself. I can use their real names as long as I don’t connect them to their new names. I have a longer version that’s not suitable for publishing.”

“We read it in the paper,” said Ghiloric.

“Only Donal and Neamhain of the original Warband stayed,” said Alice. “I suppose the others could come back and settle somewhere quietly eventually, though it seems more likely they will settle in the Aés Sidhe world.”

“Eithne is coming later to look at the books, but I don’t know when exactly.”

Kevin hoped that Barry wouldn’t ask them about the events in the throne room or ask Alice anything. How much had he been told by the others in the Warband?

* * *

Barry led them up the new stairs instead of to the cellar library after the meal.

“What do you think lads?”

Kevin and Ghiloric looked around the new study.

“Mighty good,” said Ghiloric.

“Very cosy and comfy,” said Kevin, “but it’s only some of the books?”

“Yes, I have only the more regularly used or common ones here. But I collected everything you might like to look at here.”

“Maybe I’ll go help wash up,” suggested Alice.

“Not at all,” said Barry. “I won’t hear of it, you are a guest. Enjoy the books.”

“You don’t have a nice dictionary?”

“Surely you can read?”

“Three languages,” agreed Alice, “but after a year there are still terribly many written Lárnian words I don’t know, even though I’m fluent in the spoken language. It was extremely frustrating at the start.”

“I’m sorry,” said Barry, “thoughtless of me, your Lárnian is so good. Can’t you follow the letters?”

“Many words have spelling that has no relationship to the spoken version,” said Alice. “I can read the more junior texts well, but the text books I need to study are hard for me.”

“Well, study this book of maps and travel guides of Hy Brasil and see how you manage. I’ll see if I have any kind of useful dictionary later. It’s a pity the standard ones don’t have some sort of pronunciation system. What are your other languages?”

“English and Irish,” she said, “a very little Latin and French.”

He handed Alice a large book. Anrhi sat beside Alice.

“She’s exaggerating a little, Barry,” explained Anrhi. “You’re not so poor at reading now, Alice, you just need a little more confidence. I’ll help you more if you are studying on your own, after all, I’m only a little older than you and I have studied at Magi College longer than Kevin and Ghiloric.”

Kevin watched Alice briefly stroke Anrhi’s mane at her neck. Obviously she knew a hand squeeze or a hug wasn’t appreciated and could break bones.

“Now sit and listen,” said Barry enthusiastically. “I made a summary of Seidhr, that’s the magic the Skands use. Supposedly when they arrived here we assisted the Elves and Dwarves to defeat them and they agreed to keep to three peninsular coastal settlements on Hy Brasil, which they call Vanaheimr.”

He waited till they were all sitting.

“Seidhr practitioners can be men or women, the sorceresses are much more common and of three kinds: Volute, Seidhkonur and Vísendakona. The men are called Seidhmenn, but are secretive, due to ergi, which is despised by the ordinary Skands. Unlike the Elves, Dwarves and ourselves, the Tuath Dé, the Seidhr use incantation of spells (galdhrar, a spell is galdhr) and dance. The spinning charms use the distaff, an obsolete tool used in spinning flax or wool. Ergi seems to mean unmanly or effeminate. Seidhr leaves a man weak. The distaff or staff, which they call a seidhstafr has runic inscriptions which I can’t repeat to you young people. Some of the rituals seem of rather an intimate nature I’d rather not explain. I’ve left that book aside for Eithne. Can any of you read runes?”

He showed them a page of runes.

They all shook their heads.

“I’ve seen similar runes,” said Alice, “so I recognize them, but don’t know the alphabet. Do you mean know the letters or actually the language?”

“Ah, of course it would also be a different language.”

“Something like Old Norse I suppose,” said Alice. “I’d be able to speak it if I met people using it.”

“What?” exclaimed Barry.

“It’s a gift I have,” said Alice, “magic. I can be fluent in a language in minutes if I meet native speakers of it talking, no use for reading and writing. So I can speak Common and High Lorinok but not read or write them.”

“That’s amazing!” exclaimed Barry. “Well, the Seidhr includes both scrying and manipulative magic. They also have a type of divination performed by their seers called framsýnir and forspáir. The seidhstafr also has the power of causing forgetfulness if you are tapped three times on the cheek with it.”

“So you think the enchanted poison was likely created by a sorceress in Hy Brasil?” mused Ghiloric. “Though I have to say not much of that made any sense.”

“She’d have been in a group,” said Barry. “They also have special blue robes for the rituals. I think likely a Seidhkonur. I thought one of the hallmarks of magic is that it doesn’t make sense.”

“You told Chancellor Eithne this already?” asked Ghiloric.

“I did,” said Barry,” though I don’t think she takes it seriously, she thinks some rogue Magus here created the poison, because the Seidhr were killed or scattered. They were feared by their own people. I’m just an amateur you see.”

“I think it sounds plausible,” said Kevin.

“If they are feared they would be secret,” said Ghiloric. “We should go and talk to the Lorinokin, Baltie and Kranokin there. Kevin, you and Alice would pass as Skands.”

“You’re not serious?” asked Alice.

“Especially Kevin,” said Ghiloric.

“I suppose we could go to an inn at the docks frequented by Skands and see how we manage,” said Kevin.

“Alice will be able to talk like a native after a few minutes due to her gift of tongues,” said Ghiloric.

“I’d only have Glamour which is risky,” added Kevin.

“Alice could teach us a lot on the sea voyage,” said Ghiloric.

“I could?” exclaimed Alice.

“Once you have the way of it?” asked Kevin.

“You’ll have to talk to Neamhain, Ghiloric,” said Alice, “if everyone thinks it’s someone here that helped Doontrat, then they can’t object to us going on holiday?”

Chapter 4: The Docks

They finished their lunch at the Drunken Sailor, which despite the name was a quite respectable inn near the main market square, which was far from the docklands.

“We can stay at my dad’s town house?” suggested Kevin.

“Only if I can share with Anrhi?” asked Alice. “We are doing fine sharing here.”

“I don’t mind,” said Anrhi. “I get melancholic anyway if I’m alone.”

“You sure your dad is happy?” asked Ghiloric. “We have all been grand here, though admittedly it’s not the cheapest place to stay, much more pleasant than the Abbey.”

“The Abbey isn’t putting up magi now that the Artistic Progress Council assembly is over,” said Kevin, “that’s why I’ve been staying with dad. He’ll be delighted. We don’t have to eat with him, though perhaps dinner a couple of times a week would be fine. He says the house is big enough and he’s out all day anyway. As long as we are not noisy. He has breakfast about 6 o’clock, so likely we’d still be asleep then?”

“If you’re sure,” said Ghiloric, “perhaps we kin make a contribution to our keep?”

“He’s not afraid of Dwarf sensibilities,” said Kevin. “He already said he won’t hear of it. He will allow us to do any odds and ends around the place, as long as we ask the servants, we can’t be messing them about.”

“Oh weel,” said Ghiloric, “it’ll be better for the girls.”

* * *

They visited the docks several times, with Ghiloric entering and leaving the inns separately to Kevin and Alice. Reluctantly Anrhi agreed that a Dryad was just too unusual in the dockland inns and she’d too easily get broken bones.

“What exactly are the others doing, Anrhi?” asked Lord Aldiare.

“They are researching Skandi culture at the docks, Lord Aldiare,” said Anrhi.

“In my youth, we just called it drinking!” He laughed and studied her face. “Call me Conor. You’re serious though, I mean more serious than normal. My experience is that you Dryads do have a good sense of humour, but you don’t laugh at trivialities, you people get melancholic on your own too. I’ve not a lot to occupy me in the evenings at the moment, can we chat if we don’t bore each other?”

“I’m not easily bored. I do get gloomy, that’s true,” said Anrhi. “We are thinking of visiting the Skands in their native cities. Alice has a special magic for languages, so she is fluent already. She teaches the sort of old Norse the Skands speak to us during the day. Certainly their visits to the dockland inns the Skand sailors frequent involves some drinking.”

“If they were not magi.” Conor shook his head.

“The Constable’s men patrol anyway,” said Anrhi. “My only fear would be for anyone going too far with Alice. She’s now extremely dangerous.”

“She’s certainly looking more like her mother now, tall and unusually muscled for a woman like Naomi. I take it though she’s like Naomi in magic and it’s not breaking someone’s arm you are worried about?”

“True,” agreed Anrhi, “though I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t half kill someone with a slap. She grows stronger faster than she realises.”

“Does Kevin understand that she might not…” He seemed lost for words. “Can I ask what Alice’s intentions are? Sorry, if it’s wrong of me?”

“Alice’s intentions are no secret,” said Anrhi. “She avoids boys. She’s been avoiding Kevin all autumn, winter and spring at Carrigbawn college. She’s hardly seen him till the Artistic Progress Committee’s conference, and then the poisoning.”

“Kevin was disappointed to only be able to go to public meetings, yet Alice is on it?”

“No, she’s not eligible due to being from the Old World and probably too young. She is fluent in English and from Ireland, though she tries to hide it, so they can ask her to clarify English. You know what Naomi is?”

“Yes, Naomi herself explained about the Aés Sidhe and really being Neamhain of the Morrígna. She didn’t say so, but I gather they only look human, in reality nearly as different as you, I think the Elves and Dwarves are closer to us?”

“Even to mage sense, Neamhain seems quite like a Tuath Dé, so even Neamhain isn’t sure about Alice and Donal. She’s going to take Alice to an expert in a Fay world when she is older. Though in terms of her magic, she’s not much like any Tuath Dé, she must be Aés Sidhe unless you can be partly Fay. Actually the only people at college that Alice spends much time with is me and a rather disturbed Tuath Dé called Sorcha. She does chat to Ghiloric, she doesn’t avoid him. Curiously she and Megra write, though I can’t imagine what. It’s in English too, so perhaps it’s to help Megra’s studies.”

“Would you like some wine?”

“Perhaps a little watered Mead or Metheglin?”

Lord Aldiare pulled the library’s bell cord.

“I can get you honey, or syrup of various kinds. Maybe hot water, herbs and spices that traditionally Dryads like?”

“That would be excellent.”

“When I first met Alice, she was so quiet, hardly ate and treated the wine like it would bite her!”

“She’d had quite a shock, and that was more wine than she’d had in her life. She’d not blink now, though prefers beer to wine and she has to take a malted milk drink going to bed or she can wake before dawn with pains she is growing so fast now. She hates it.”

~

Kevin opened the door quietly.

“Ah, you’re back,” said Conor. “Why are you creeping about?”

Alice and Ghiloric followed him in and Ghiloric closed the door.

“We wondered where Anrhi was and didn’t want to wake you or the staff.”

“Being entertained,” said Anrhi. “I’m not going to feel deprived of an evening.”

Kevin took in the debris of glasses, bottles, jars, the spirit kettle and books on the three tables. “Yes, I can see you two aren’t missing out too much.”

“Do any of you want supper?” asked Conor.

“No, we ate,” said Kevin, “we came back, because places are closing up and Ghiloric and I are exhausted.”

“I’m stuffed,” sighed Alice. “I won’t need the ghastly malted milk tonight. You OK, Anrhi?”

“Yes, I’d not mind a hand up to bed,” she said. “We rather lost track of time and I’m not too sure about the stairs.”

“How is the research going, son?” asked Conor.

“We know that a big strong Skand mercenary can cry like a baby,” said Ghiloric.

“He asked for it!” said Alice hotly.

“It’s fine, Alice,” said Kevin. “You didn’t encourage him. His friends warned him too. Though mysteriously afterwards no-one seemed to be with him.”

They all sat down.

“Well?” said Conor. “Will I read about it in the paper?”

“Probably not, Lord Aldiare,” said Alice. “His friends got a surgeon. An officer of the Constable’s Office had just come in and saw it all. He knocked Ghiloric off the bench and sat beside me. Ghiloric I think was more astounded than stunned, but sat up on the floor—”

“Aye, I was fair amazed!”

“So…” Alice blushed and hesitated. “He squeezed my bodice in a particular fashion. I think that’s when I broke that wrist. Then he tried to undo my dress at the back with the other hand, before the Officer or his friends could stop him. That would be probably when I broke that arm. He then tried to kiss me. I guess he must have been a bit insensitive to pain with the drinking? So I got up and threw him across the room. Probably that’s what broke his ankle. Everyone then clapped and cheered. He then sat up and started crying. Then I realised someone smaller was hugging me and kissed me on the cheek. Fortunately it was only a grateful barmaid. It seems he’d always picked his moments to harass them when the barkeep was out or busy.”

“So is that the end of the research?”

“Oh no,” exclaimed Ghiloric, “she left out her loud comments in old Norse and her conversation with his friend and her telling off the man while the Surgeon patched him up! Some Skands now call her Freyja, she’s a hero.”

“Heroine,” muttered Anrhi.

“It seems he wasn’t very popular,” said Kevin, “or at least people claimed so afterwards!”

“Alice is rather distinctive,” said Ghiloric, “word will get around. Anyway the rest of the evening people wanted to tell us their life stories and such. The fact that Alice speaks their language like a native and won’t say where she is from adds to the attraction of her as a confident. It would be unlikely anyone is going to annoy us again. He was a big bruiser, a heavy built sailor, muscles on his muscles from working the ropes and nearly 6ft.”

“You tossed him across the room?” exclaimed Conor.

“She did, like a toy,” said Kevin. “Actually I’m not sure that some the more superstitious ones don’t really think Alice is actually Freyja.”

“Freyja is a Demigoddess,” insisted Alice. “I can’t be at all like Freyja.”

“It was the necklace falling off as you tossed him,” said Ghiloric. “It burnt the hand of the man that picked it up to give it back to you.”

“The pest must have loosened the catch,” said Alice, “but why does that signify? I’m sure Freyja isn’t supposed to have ginger hair and freckles!”

“But she has a fire necklace, the Brísingamen,” said Anrhi, “also you have a feather cloak which Freyja is also famous for. She is supposed to have ginger hair and you are tall. Though Freyja’s familiar or pet is a boar rather than a wolf.”

“How do you know?” asked Alice, sounding surprised.

“Lord Aldiare and I were reading the books here in the library,” said Anrhi. “She’s also called Vanadís and has cats. I’ve no idea what a cat is.”

“That’s rather creepy,” said Alice. “Now the dead silence and awed looks when the man dropped the necklace crying, ‘it burns’ and I picked it up, fastened it and tucked it in, makes sense. I’ll explain about cats some other time.”

“He had the pattern burnt on his hand,” said Kevin. “The surgeon though says it won’t scar much.”

“He’ll get the odd free drink for life showing that scar if I know the Skand sailors,” said Conor. “He’ll tell an embellished version and how he tried to give the Goddess Freyja back the Brísingamen.”

“They’ll nickname him Heimdallr,” said Anrhi.

“Who’s he?” asked Alice.

“A legendary hero that searched for Freyja’s necklace when it was stolen and returned it,” said Anrhi. “No wonder the man that attacked you suddenly had no friends. The cloak though is supposed to be falcon feathers and aid fertility.”

“I’m not wearing the feather cloak to the docks or in public again, ever!” said Alice. “I only wore it once because it was chilly and it’s lighter but warmer than my other cloak. I’ve no wish to be taken for a fertility Demigoddess. This whole Freyja thing is suddenly creepy.” She lifted Anrhi. “Come to bed my little friend and stop frightening me! Goodnight Lord Aldiare.”

Aldiare marvelled that Alice carried Anrhi out as if she was a child.

“I suppose with the hollow bones Anrhi can’t weigh much,” he muttered. “You lads can do as you please. I’m off to bed.”

* * *

Two days later they were in the library learning the old Norse when the maid popped her head in.

“Constable Leith is here to see Eilis, Master Kevin?”

“Show him in here,” said Kevin. “You want to see him alone, Alice?”

“I’d rather you are all here,” she said. “I’m sure we can imagine what it’s about.”

“Constable Leith,” said the maid, “Master Magus Kevin, Lady Enchantress Eilis, Mage Anrhi, Wizard Ghiloric.” She hovered at the door, either curious or awaiting orders.

“You’ll take some tea with us, Constable?” asked Kevin.

“Yes, though I hope I won’t take much of your time.”

Kevin nodded to the maid.

“I’d rather you spoke to me in front of all my friends?” asked Alice. “Anrhi hasn’t been involved as such.”

“As such?”

“I’ve been learning old Norse and researching what is in books about the Æsir–Vanir Demigods and the Skands,” said Anrhi. “Alice has been teaching us all the language. We hope to visit their towns and cities.”

“Who is Alice?”

Alice stood up, smiled then sobered. “Alice is English for Eilis. English is my first language, most people in Ireland usually only speak English. I went to Irish speaking schools. I was called Eilis there. Lots of Irish and Lárnian names and words are similar.”

“It does sound similar. Show me your papers?”

He studied them. “It says nothing about Ireland here. Admittedly I know about Dean David being Donal and Enchantress Naomi being Neamhain of the Morrígna. The fact your papers are signed by the King and his Chief Advisor, and who your guardians are suggests you are no ordinary Tuath Dé or Irish person. Do your friends and your host Lord Aldiare know the truth?”

“Oh yes, though a few details are uncertain.”

“You really are just fourteen, nearly fifteen, that bit on your papers is true?”

“Yes, sir.” Alice curtsied.

“You better sit, then tell me what or who you really are.”

“Am I to be charged with anything?” asked Alice sitting.

“It’s unlikely, or I’d have a team of guards here. It’s more in the nature of a warning visit.”

“I came from Ireland nearly a year ago. Donal is actually really my grandfather. I’m related to Neamhain too. She says she’s entitled to be ni Midhir, though she’s actually a higher rank. I really am her registered foster daughter, as my natural mother might still be alive. Later I’ll be fully adopted. Even without that Neamhain says I’m a princess. Neamhain was actually heir to High Queen Oonagh of the Aés Sidhe. She might still be. The really embarrassing bit not on my papers is that I’m the niece of the recently deceased Evil Enchanter, his twin brother Ealcmhar was my mother’s second husband. Enchanter Elcamar killed him when I was quite small.”

“As I’m the highest ranked Constable in Lárn,” explained Leith, “I am privy to information that’s best not public. So your father was Aés Sidhe, you’ve been effectively adopted by one of the three most scary of the Aés Sidhe and no-one is too sure about Donal, who is really your grandfather. Of course most people, including the guard that saw your exhibition thinks that David and Naomi are your actual parents and the papers are as they are to save you from embarrassment as they are not married. It’s common for out of wedlock noble’s children to be described as foster children.”

“I didn’t know that, I’m not sure Naomi knows it. They might get married and then I could get new papers?”

“It’s possible,” said Leith. “I have an inkling now why superstitious sailors and mercenaries are convinced you are Freyja. I suppose there is a real necklace?”

Kevin laughed.

“This isn’t a laughing matter,” said Leith.

Alice took off her necklace and slid it over the table to where Constable Leith was sitting.

“See how long you can hold it,” said Alice, “don’t lift it.”

“I see, it really is enchanted. It would get hotter?”

“Hot enough to crisp your hand to the bone,” said Alice. She put it back on. “It’s actually an enchanted copy of a real necklace that Kevin’s grandfather and mother made together. That’s why Kevin laughed. This one is a fake. I do even have a feather cloak, though I’ve only worn it once at the docks.”

“Ye gods, what have you got the magic necklace and feather cloak for? Have you no limits to trying to be like Freyja? Is your hair really that colour or is that part of your crazy game too? Some say Freyja has ginger hair. She has in the paintings.”

“I think you misunderstand,” said Alice stiffly. “The necklace was my grandmother’s, when she married Donal, her second husband. I knew nothing of Freyja till later, after the fight. My hair has always been like this. I got the feather cloak nearly a year ago to learn this!”

With that Alice flickered and the room was full of doves. They flickered, coalesced and became Alice again.

“So the fight wasn’t staged, you didn’t set out to pretend to be Freyja?”

“No, we were surprised, but Anrhi explained it. We are just researching the Skands.”

“The Officer on the scene was adamant it was all real, it was later we wondered. I’m sorry I cast aspersions on you. However, I’d ask the three of you to keep away from the Docklands, especially you, Eilis. It’s too much disruption. You’ll have to continue your Skand research without field visits. Did you use magic in the fight?”

“I don’t think so, apart from the innate automatic reaction of the necklace. I’d only just realised it had fallen off.”

“She’s quite strong,” said Ghiloric. “It’s probably an Aés Sidhe thing, Neamhain is frighteningly strong, even for someone fit, well built and six foot four.”

“I’ve not met her,” said Leith.

“She looks like you’d imagine Alice’s mother ought to look like, maybe in twenty years time they’ll look like twins,” suggested Anrhi. “They are both powerful Enchantresses.

“We’ll give up the docklands visits,” said Alice.

“Good,” said Leith, “does Lady Naomi know you have been doing this?”

“In broad terms,” said Alice. “I don’t think she heard about the Freyja thing yet. I’m not sure how she’ll react to it.”

“I’ll have to talk to your guardians if you create a public disturbance,” said Leith. “I called here first as a courtesy as you are over thirteen. Though frankly from the description I got, I found it hard to believe that there wasn’t a mistake on the papers about your age. You didn’t sound like someone not yet fifteen. It’s a bad idea to go around pretending to be a Demigod, especially for a powerful Enchantress.”

“I’ll keep out of the docklands and avoid anything that might create publicity. It was an accident, a coincidence.”

“I’ll say good day then,” said Leith.

“I’m sorry about the tea,” said Kevin. “I can’t imagine what happened to it.”

Kevin showed Leith out personally rather than call a servant.

“You don’t know Sorcha ni Leith at the Magi College?” he asked as he opened the front door.

“Never heard of her,” replied Constable Leith. “It’s a common enough name.”

* * *

“So, Alice,” said Kevin, “what did Neamhain decide?”

“We can go on the trip if Anrhi is well enough and agrees. There is a snag, a couple of snags.”

“What? Anrhi is fine, as much she can be drinking those weird herbal, spicy semi-alcoholic sticky sweet cocktails when my dad sits chatting with her and bottle of wine.”

“Those are normal for a Baltie,” said Alice. “My snags are called Neamhain and Donal.”

“Really?”

“They have only been to Hy Brasil once long ago,” said Alice. “She wants them to go too.”

“She’s mad.”

“You’ve no idea how weird that woman is,” said Alice. “I’m stuck with her now though as my foster mother.”

“People adopt children, not vice versa.”

“Yes, that was my mistake,” said Alice. “Well, I do like her a lot and she is fun. Strange though. I think the real reason is that Neamhain wants to keep an eye Donal and me. Or it could be she really does fancy it. She’s not boring. I told her about the whole Freyja thing and how the Constable thought we had done it as a prank. She wasn’t cross at all, thought it was hilarious and said I must tell it to Freyja myself sometime.”

“She knows Freyja?”

“Most of the legendary gods are Demigod creatures known to the Aés Sidhe. They are trans-dimensional or something, I didn’t understand it. None are actually gods.”

“There is more,” mused Kevin, “you have that look.”

“They have booked passage already now. Unfortunately the Ocean Mist. We all have to start packing.”

“Why is that unfortunate?” asked Kevin.

“I’d hoped we would travel on a decent sized ship with some Skand sailors. Though it’s supposed to be fast for its size, some sort of three mast schooner.”

“It’s been in port for ages,” said Kevin. “No-one knows why.”

“I think from what Anrhi says your dad is rather attached to her and will miss her company in the evenings,” said Alice. “He’s kept Anrhi amused, which is quite something.”

“Can she afford the trip?” mused Kevin. “Actually can Ghiloric afford it?”

“Oh, why did you have to ask?” exclaimed Alice. “You know I’ve resolved to be more truthful. You know the answer.”

“They can’t afford it,” said Kevin. “I guess Neamhain and Donal are paying.”

“No, Manannán is paying,” said Alice. “I got the money he left me out of trust by meeting the conditions. Anrhi wasn’t any difficulty, but Ghiloric insists it’s only a loan.”

“What conditions?” asked Kevin. “I didn’t understand why it was a trust anyway.”

“I can’t tell you, though it’s not important,” said Alice. “I suppose he’s not coming back and at least I’m a relative. Anyway I only dropped in to let you know, I’m in the city to get some dresses that are ready.”

Chapter 5: Sea voyage

Kevin was waiting near the gangplank of the Ocean Mist with Ghiloric and Anrhi.

A Dwarf sailor came down the gangplank. “You Dean David’s party?” he asked aggressively in Common.

“Yes,” replied Ghiloric, “we are waiting for three more of us.”

“We have to go soon, the tide. There is hardly time to unload your baggage if you are not boarding.”

Kevin watched him cut a piece of something from his pocket and start to chew. After a while he spat into the harbour. It smelled strange, though the harbour was pretty smelly to start with. A mix of fish, something rotten, the strange smell of the sea, perhaps the weed.

The others arrived before he used up whatever it was. He called over some harbour workers.

Kevin noticed Alice looked rebellious and Faolchú the wolf was with them.

“The wolf is coming?” asked Ghiloric. “Is Corbie the rook staying?”

“Corbie will be with Bran to keep us in touch,” explained Donal.

“It’s Manannán Mac Lir’s familiar,” said Neamhain, “or was. Manannán has transferred Faolchú to Alice, neither saw fit to tell me. I assumed Manannán had told him to stay with us. Obviously he couldn’t take a wolf with him to Ireland or wherever else the Warband is going. You’d hardly take a wolf on public transport. So we don’t have time to organise any transfer, where Alice goes the wolf goes.”

Kevin was amazed. Why on earth had Alice not told Neamhain and Donal about the wolf last summer? How and where had she kept him all this time?

“I’d just assumed that you knew about Faolchú,” said Ghiloric. “Sorry.”

“We did see him from time to time,” said Neamhain. “We assumed it was Manannán keeping an eye on Alice. Silly man making him Alice’s familiar.”

“Is he safe?” asked the Sailor in Common.

“As long as the girl isn’t threatened,” Neamhain explained in Common. “She’s an Enchantress and he is her familiar.”

“So—” started the sailor.

“I’ll make sure that Alice is safe to have on board,” said Neamhain. “I’m a more powerful Enchantress and her mother.”

“You’ll have to pay extra,” he insisted. He got a grubby list from his pocket and read off all their names. “Right, get on board, the girl will have to clean up any mess he makes.”

“Kevin,” said Alice, “why are there no funnels, you know chimneys?”

“There is,” said Kevin, “one for the galley.”

The sailor spoke to the dockers and followed them up the gangway. Kevin watched him start to untie it. Ghiloric started on the other side after saying something Kevin didn’t follow.

Other dock workers cast off the bow and stern with sailors winching the ropes on board. The gang plank was winched on to the pier. A steam launch started up and slowly towed the ship out to the open sea. Beyond the harbour the sailors started unfurling the sails. The launch must have cast off as Kevin saw it falling astern as it chugged back to the harbour on its large central paddle.

“There are steam launches, steam road trains, steam coaches and such,” said Alice. “Why doesn’t the ship use steam?”

“I’ve no idea,” said Kevin. “Ask a sailor.”

Kevin looked ahead. He could see Inis Thiar across the channel.

The sailor they met before came up.

“The Captain requests you go below,” he said in Common. “We will be tacking a lot south west down the estuary and then north west through the channel. After that it will be a lot rougher. I’ll show you your cabins and were we eat. This is a freighter, so you’ll eat with the sailors, even the officers. I’m Farfiven the second Mate. The scarf and belt sash colour and style shows rank. You lot are the only passengers this trip. The Captain thinks if the weather holds we might do the trip in less than 40 days.”

“The best is 26 days?” suggested Ghiloric.

“Once!” agreed Farfiven. “Coming back is usually nearly twice as long.”

“Why doesn’t the ship use a steam engine?” asked Alice.

“We couldn’t carry enough coal to feed it,” said Farfiven. “They say in a few years time we’ll have better engines that don’t use the coal so fast, but they said that a few years ago.”

It was late evening, despite starting not long after dawn, when Kevin realized they must be entering open ocean. The ship was heaving. So was his stomach. Ghiloric was showing Alice a version of Fidchell that had peg bases on the pieces and holes in the squares. He watched for a moment. Alice seemed to be playing it, obviously she’d learnt it at college. Being in different classes for everything meant he’d hardly seen her much in the last year. Donal was lying on his bunk. Kevin staggered up to the deck for fresh air. Alice followed him. He blinked at the ropes.

“We have to tie ourselves to a rope line so we don’t fall off,” said Alice.

A sailor came over with some rope and showed Kevin. He gave up the battle and retched over the railing. “This is ghastly,” he gasped.

Soon Neamhain and Donal joined them.

“You two look as bad as Kevin!” Alice remarked brightly.

She untied herself and went back down the companionway.

“Alice isn’t seasick?” asked Neamhain.

“She didn’t mention it,” said Kevin. “I wonder can Anrhi heal it?”

“It’s not actually a disease,” explained Donal, “even if it feels like it.”

“I don’t understand Alice,” mused Kevin, “she seems so unpredictable, so up and down emotionally, and not entirely straight about things, don’t misunderstand me, I really like her. But is she quite, um, normal?”

“There is nothing wrong with her,” insisted Neamhain. She hesitated. “Actually I think I was very like her at that age, well maybe a bit younger.”

“She’s perhaps younger in attitude than most girls her age here due to her upbringing,” suggested Donal. “She is an Enchanter too after all, from a world where such things are regarded as stories, though she’s known since an early age that magic is real. I think too discovering she had to learn to read was a bigger a shock than being probably an Aés Sidhe rather than a human with magic. She’s got a lot of changes to cope with. Now don’t talk.”

“So what have you done with Faolchú?”

“We have four bunks,” said Neamhain, “like your cabin, so Faolchú has one of the bottom bunks, technically. Alice says he’ll stay on the floor with a blanket and never use the bunk. Anrhi has the other as she’d break every bone if she fell out of a top bunk. Alice only has to pay for his food as he’s not taking up extra accommodation. I think though there is another passenger, I sense her in the Captain’s cabin.”

“Maybe he has a wife?” suggested Donal.

“No,” said Neamhain, “the Captain is sharing the cabin with the officers.”

Kevin felt a lot better by the end of the next day. It seemed it was a malady unknown to Dwarves, Dryads and Alice. He was amused that Neamhain was affected.

It was breakfast on the third day. They had that on their own after the crew had eaten.

“We need to all be learning Norse now,” said Donal.

“Actually it’s probably Old Norse,” said Alice. “What years on the Old World calendar did they come?

“Never mind that, can you teach it?” asked Neamhain.

“I have been teaching the others, not to read and write it though,” confirmed Alice. “The dictionary I bought is hard, though it does give a Runic to Tuath Dé alphabet equivalent. I can’t imagine why there are no Lárnian transliterations to Norse?”

Donal looked at it. “Because it’s for Skand people.”

“Well, I have started teaching Anrhi, Kevin and Ghiloric.”

* * *

They were all in the men’s cabin. It was very cramped. Even the wolf was with them.

“What’s this sticking in to me?” asked Kevin. “It feels like a sword hilt.”

“It is,” laughed Neamhain. “Donal decided on some extra protection, though it didn’t save Núadu Airgeadlámh in the end.”

“No, it’s not?” exclaimed Kevin.

“Yes,” said Donal, “I brought the Claiomh Solais that came from Findias. Now to study.”

Kevin wondered how people would feel if one of the Four Treasures was lost or stolen by the Skands. “Was he really Tuath Dé?”

“Yes he was,” insisted Neamhain.

* * *

Kevin heard Alice exclaim, “In!” He assumed she had sensed him at the door, however she was obviously surprised at his entrance.

Anrhi was strapped in to her bed and seemed asleep, she’d hardly spoken during the journey. Alice was on the floor. There was no sign of Neamhain.

“What happened?”

“Anrhi asked me to put her to sleep and strap her in. Her nerves are very bad. She persuaded Ghiloric that only the Tuath Dé needed to learn Norse so she’d be able to avoid it.”

“So you did the same to Faolchú?”

“He was very unhappy. I knew he wouldn’t like this. Neamhain said I needed to learn about consequences. That I should have told her about Faolchú, but having decided on the voyage, I couldn’t be allowed to back out and Faolchú couldn’t be left behind so long without being someone else’s familiar. He can’t be an ordinary wolf any longer unless I figure the magic to set him free.”

“Oh Alice,” said Kevin, “you aren’t very happy either.”

“No, but as Neamhain says, it’s entirely my own fault. I need to be less tricky, more straight forward. She says I’m treating you badly and if I’m not careful it will all end in tears.”

Kevin wasn’t sure that she wasn’t far from tears now. He didn’t know what to say. He wanted to give her a hug. He settled for touching her hand. For once she didn’t flinch.

“It’s fine Alice,” he searched frantically for the right thing to say. “I’m your friend, I understand you’ve had a lot of upheaval. I’ve not been fair either. I’ll have your friendship on what ever your terms are. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to tell me.”

Alice moved her hand away. “Thanks.”

Kevin went up on deck and stared out at the rough, grey sea. Was she being advised to be less friendly, more friendly or just consistent? He thought back to the end of their last adventure. She’d snuggled up to him in the boat as they travelled down the Great River. Then at Newbridge had become unapproachable. He remembered the last year. He didn’t need to re-read his journal again.

Chapter 6: Last Year’s Arrival

The river was wide here with many quays and barges on both sides. They had just passed under the largest bridge Kevin had ever seen with four high spans on three pillars across the river. It was only a few days before that the evil enchanter had been killed.

Chapter 7: The Island

Kevin clutched the pillar in their cabin. He wished they had taken a larger ship. The Captain’s hope of good weather turned out to be ill-founded, it was over two weeks since they had set out and what was nearly a gale yesterday was now a full storm, though it did mean they were ahead of schedule. The ship now had only a couple of jibs out and was trailing a sea anchor. Occasionally the wolf howled. Suddenly he stopped in mid howl. Kevin staggered to the neighbouring cabin and knocked.

Chapter 8: Horgath City

Kevin was amazed. Horgath was larger than Dalrinath City, or at least the harbour district and harbour was much larger than Dalrinath’s dockland. All the buildings looked like stone made and varied from two to six floors. They had very tall steep roofs.

Chapter 9: The Pass

Kevin looked around. There were seven warriors behind on mounts with no packs. Obviously the Elves didn’t want them slipping off. These Elves confounded all he knew about Elves. A lot of serious looking warriors, some bows, pistols and some musket sized weapons. All mounted and experienced. It seemed strange that Megra had never ridden. Why so many if the purpose was just to meet Lady Seilia? He rode closer to Alice. There was no sign of Faolchú. They had been travelling for two weeks now, obviously pushing their equivalent of horses as hard as they dared.

Chapter 10: House Hidonthraen

“Behold Hidonthraen!” exclaimed Findarenl. “It’s the second largest Lorinokin city in the world, the largest is Hilarminof in Leerthmokineer, the land you amusingly call Tír na hÓige.

Chapter 11: Maaricule

They had met with Maaricule after lunch the next day to explain the College set up. Anrhi did the most explaining as she had been there much longer. Ulantirintha explained there would be no direct ship now to Magh Meall till nearly spring.

Chapter 12: Flight

They thought it couldn’t have been simpler, they simply let a note thanking their hosts for hospitality, without explaining where they were going, walked out and caught a barge to Thraenshaven. However it never left the quay, there was a technical problem.

Chapter 13: Svipdagsvanger

Alice and Kevin got some Skand clothes in Thraenshaven. They didn’t risk an inn, so bought dried fruit, nuts, bread, juice, beer and dried meat in the markets to eat later as they had not been able to escape with any food.

Chapter 14: The Search

It was like a shanty town. There were few Dwarves, fewer Dryads and no Elves. It was hard to believe these people could organize anything, much less a conspiracy, Kevin thought.

Chapter 15: The Portal

“All holding hands?” asked Ghiloric. “I’ve got Faolchú by his fur. Do it Alice.”

They were standing in bright sunshine, instead of dusk. It seemed to be summer, rather than the winter they had left. The Portal exit was a boat shaped pattern of standing stones.

Chapter 16: Ireland

“How do we get to the Portal?” asked Ghiloric after they collected their baggage. “Another bus? Is it far?”

“I’m thinking,” said Alice.

* * *

The End

Next: Seeking the Flaming Spear

Appendix

Tuath Dé Currency

4 pennies = 1 groat

10 pennies = 1 quarter

4 quarters = 1 shilling

10 groats = 1 shilling

6 shillings = half crown coin

12 shillings = crown

30 shillings = eighth of a sovereign

60 shillings = 2 bits = quarter sovereign

240 shillings = sovereign

20 crowns to a sovereign

A Kranokin Crown = 5 Tuath Dé crowns

sovereign = 4 Kranokin Crowns

The Celtic Otherworld

Contemporary travel to Otherworlds are mentioned in Celtic myth and legend. Meet the Tuath Dé, Sióg, Aés Sidhe, Elves and Faerie. Also set in Limerick, Ireland and Wychavon, England.

Court Grave, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick

Unlike Greek and Roman myth, there are many Celtic Otherworlds that appear to be magical and often inhabited by the Fair Folk (Fay, Fairy, Elves, Sióg) or sometimes the Tuath Dé (later called Tuatha De Danann). They are not realms of the dead.

Manannán Mac Lir led the Tuath Dé away to the Otherworld over 2500 years ago. Except for them it’s been more like 600 due to the time-slip. The Portals were often at Court Graves, Raths and other ancient Irish sites. Today Tuath Dé culture is a crazy mix of Mediaeval to Nineteenth Century styles. Now the Magi Council and the Druids of Ollathair have wakened the Sleepers, the Morrígna, (Badb, Macha and Neamhain) and the rest of Manannán Mac Lir’s Aés Sidhe Warband.

The Talents Universe

The Talents Universe series are all stories connected by characters with the mysterious Talent, of which there are seven kinds, or with some involvement of the Caemorian Empire, a world 80,000 light years away from Earth (Tellus) on the other side of the Milky Way. Apart from Jump Drive for the starships and the psychic like Talent, the Science Fiction attempts to be compatible with known science.

Circle College campus, Caemoria.

Mostly involving the activities of the Caemorian Empire, a single planet 80,000 light years from Earth. They are about 5000 years more advanced. Their culture dominates nearly a third of the Milky Way. Anyone developing Talent, always at puberty, must be trained in the Circle College on Caemoria.

Many of the stories involve Maisie Kelly from Ireland the only person from Earth with the special Talent. The time scale is contemporary, and as we didn’t notice any giant starship visiting, it must be an alternate reality?

Trader’s Isle

The Trader’s Isle series is set in mediaeval like world without Black Powder. The massive world wars and loss of much technology a thousand years earlier was bad, but the rise of the Sorcerers called the Silver Wolf Heads using the Arinopean Barons as puppet leaders was a disaster for the Isle of Amrat and the people curiously called Traveller Folk, even though they are not nomadic.

The painting is a detail from Le Jardin de Maubuisson by Camille Pissarro (1830-1903).