When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 30 - The Beginning of the End (Battle Pt.1)

Oiamh's POV

"Hello little crescent" a voice said to us all.

I was frozen in shock and could tell my family were as well.

"D...d....dad?!" I asked in horror then saw a smirk

"But how!? You died in my arms that dreadful day Trodaí" Mom added

"I didn't. When you fell, Skyla came and got you but I was still unconscious. I retreated to the darkest part of our forest to recover. Now...to take back my leadership from you little crescent. You aren't ready for that mark" Dad said as he caressed my cheek.

I slapped his hand away.

"Sorry but no you imposter. My father is dead and the enchanted clover is on me as the nee leader of the forest" I said to him

He was not happy then sliced my clover marked cheek with the dagger before wings erupted from his back.

"This is a demon from the underworld possessing your father sweetheart. But I sense there's more to this issue than we know"

"If you wish to maintain your leadership...come seek me out on the mainland if you dare" The demon said before flying away

"Shit....Mom summon the guardians and find Zachary. Zero we'll need the rest of the new alliance united at the palace. Granny and Grandpa I want you with me at the castle as well - with things the way they are, I want my family close." I commanded then everyone took off

I need to find out if dad had a special or favourite place on the mainland....but this could spell the beginning of the end for Tír ná nÓg Island.

I made my way to the castle before everyone else to brief the king and queen.

"Your Majesties" I started with a curtsy

"Oiamh, is aught amiss dear child?" King Oísín asked me.

"We found my father. But not in the way we want. His body has been taken over by a demon - most likely the work of the monster duo that is Leyla and Rose of the Underworld who attacked the forest to begin with. The demon took off for the mainland in my dad's body. I've asked my mom and Zero to rally everyone though because this isn't something that the guard alone can handle." I added

"How bad is it?" Zachary asked when he arrived with Shay.

"It's the beginning of the end Zach" which made all four of them shocked

"Jason go and fetch Rosetta immediately." Niamh asked her guard

"At once your highness" Jason replied then left.

"When you asked for everyone to be rallied, did you say to bring them here?" Niamh asked me to which I nodded sternly.

"Good. When they arrive the floor will be yours Luna Oiamh." Oísín responded.

We waited for an hour then every leader was here. including the wolves from Dawn and Lycidas' packs.

"Citizens of Tír ná nÓg Island, I thank you for rallying together on such short notice. I shall pass the floor to Oiamh, Luna of the Forest, to explain the situation as it was her call you answered." Niamh addressed everyone as I stood next to her.

"Thank you, Queen Niamh. Hello everyone. I thank you all for answering the cry of the forest. My father, Trodaí Wolf of the Forest, is dead. The mark on my cheek is testament to this. Despite this, his body is now being possessed by a demon and has used it to fly to the mainland. The sacred shrines for our island's barrier are located in Ireland and we need to protect them. If we lose those shrines, our home will be exposed for all eternity.

 "I know in the past we've had our differences. After all, it's why the original alliance fell apart. But now is the time to put the past behind us and look to the future. A future where we can live in harmony with each other once again." I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath as the next question could determine the fate of our clans. "So, I ask you all this today. Will you stand and fight by my side to save our home and let my father finally rest?"

Ryella stood up and took a few steps toward me, then stopped. They smiled and responded, "As king of the fae, you have our full support, little clover. My kin and animal friends will forever ring the anthem of the forest wolves. We're with you."

"You already had all of us wolves since the mission to save the demi-goddesses a few months back," Tana added. "You've grown and matured so much in such a short amount of time, little Luna. I know your father would be proud of you." 

My mom approached and embraced me. Then she stepped back, her hands still resting on my shoulders. "Oiamh, you've always been my precious emerald. The day you were born, I saw the light of hope in your father's eyes. And now I see it in yours." I noticed a few tears fall despite her smile. 

"You and Zero are the future of our kind and what you've achieved so far and also by how many people are in this room," she explained as she turned toward the rest of those who resided in the room with them, "You need not look further for proof." As I noticed nods of agreement from the people, I turned back to mom, who embraced me once more. "I'm with you no matter what, my sweet child." I couldn't help but tear up myself.

An elf then stood up and walked towards us. She was wearing the palace guard attire so I know she's a knight here.

"Oiamh, I'm with you as well. Not as captain of the guard, but also as a loyal friend to your father. He was my mentor and I was his second in command. I owe it to him for everything he did" The elf told me.

"Rosetta. Trodaí cared for you like a second daughter. In a way you reminded us of Oiamh as we watched you both grow up. It'll be an honour to have you by our side again" Mom told her.

The meeting adjourned then I ventured to my father's old study here in the palace.

Maybe there I can find a clue....