All Hallow's Eve 2: Memories

Chapter 17

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I let out a rage-filled "No," and shook the chains with the impotence of a child trapped in its playpen. The combination of sweat and tears irritated my eyes and would remain that way until my hands were free to dry them. At least I still had Freagarach grasped firmly in my right hand.

I tried to swing it at the chain, but from the angle I was hooked the blade could not reach. So I carefully turned the weapon with my fingers and swung backwards and upwards at the chain. It just rattled the links having no effect. The words of King Lugh echoed in the back of my mind so I closed my eyes and concentrated.

I could feel the earth's power surge through my arms and into the sword, so I swung at the chain again. Not even a scratch.
"What kind of shite was Lugh putting out of him? Lay Lines my arse!"
Grabbing Freagarach's hilt tighter and trying to squeeze the life out of it I growled.

The growl turned into a roar as my rage consumed me. I tensed every muscle in my body pulling inwardly against the chains. Whispers surrounded me, words in an ancient forgotten language-some enchantment or spell of empowerment. The only way I can describe it is, that I felt some force welling up inside me and it wanted out.

As I felt Freagarach throb in my hand I opened my eyes and saw the blade glow with a white light. So I attacked the chain again. The sword sliced through the metal links easily, and I almost dropped the weapon when my arm followed through. I quickly freed my legs.

"Oh, what's going on over there now?" Aodh asked one of his minions. "Do ya think I need to be worried? He flicked the minion in my direction. "Why don't you go and check it out!"
When his imp arrived I had already cut the last chain and was on the ground, and wasting no time I quickly sent him back to his master.

"Well, what's he doing?" Aodh asked. There was no reply.
"Don't make me ask you again!" He looked down at the two bloody halves of the imp.
"Why aren't you answering me?" He yelled. "Oh well, looks like I'll have to get up."
He slowly rose to his cloven feet.

Thick hair covered most of his body. As he got up his legs changed shape. Skin stretched and bones cracked, and his legs transformed into that of a goat's hind limbs. He stretched his arms out and twisted his waist. I could see his spine prominently running down his back with a triangular fin at the base of his nape.

As Aodh stretched some more his spine detached to my astonishment, curled and swished over and back. I realised then it was his tail, complete with a triangular tip. The horns grew longer from the side of his head and curled inwardly. He turned to look at me and his green eyes glowed with evil disdain. He strode toward me with malicious intent.

The wavering heat added to his ominous appearance but I was ready. With my sword clenched firmly in hand I felt kinda invincible. I didn't hesitate and made the first move. Slicing downwards in a diagonal direction he just swatted my weapon away with his hand like it meant nothing.
"Oh shite!" I murmured.

Then with his other arm, he backhanded my face and sent me flying to the edge of the solid ground. I landed with great force and I won't lie, it hurt.
"Aw, come on, this wasn't even worth the effort!" Aodh taunted.
I got back on my feet and stood with my legs apart. Pointing my sword at Aodh I closed my eyes and went to my quiet place.

"Now, you're talking!" He scoffed with an unconvincing enthusiasm.
I remembered what King Lugh had told me and I concentrated on the earth beneath my feet and felt at one with everything. Opening my eyes I grinned and said," Danu give me strength!"

Freagarach pulsated in my hands and I felt power surge through my whole body. Suddenly a beam of light and pure energy shot out through the blade. Aodh avoided it by twisting and leaning to one side. The force knocked me off my feet and the beam continued in an upward arc hitting the pyramid. A shower of blood ensued.
"Fantastic!" Aodh cheered.

With her unorthodox shower, Niamh began to arouse.
"Way to go, you!" Aodh grinned, "Now you're cook'n!"
He held his hand out to one side and then motioned with his other hand like a game show co-host displaying a prize.
Suddenly a long wooden staff appeared with a spearhead on top.

I'll bet you don't even know what this is!" Aodh implied.
I knew what it was, alright, and now I'm in trouble, I thought.
"This is the Spear of Assal. Do you know what that means?
I nodded.
"Well then," He said, "Let's have some fun!"

Niamh was now fully awake and shook her chains. She heard the commotion and looked towards us.
"What in the name of Danu are ya at?" She yelled.
Oh, not much, just trying to save you!" I replied.
"And who's going to save you?"
"Ha, very funny!"
"Aw, listen to the love birds." Aodh laughed, "Makes me sick!" He rolled his eyes.

Without warning, Aodh drew back and launched his spear. I quickly flipped in the air and deflected the projectile with my glowing sword. Upon landing, I rolled and regained my footing. The Spear of Assal returned to its owner's hand.
"Hmmm, impressive." Acknowledged Aodh, "Here, try this on for size." He attacked again.

The spear came high and fast this time so I ran for a better position. As I moved I backhanded it, just like a game of tennis. When I focused I realised I had moved closer to Niamh. Her blood-soaked body hung like a red star. She grinned and her teeth and eyes shown out beneath her crimson mask. I smiled momentarily and was abruptly brought back to reality with the sound of cloven feet. I turned and Aodh was right in front of me.

He charged at me with his head down and a pair of cranial horns ready to impale me. I quickly sideswiped them with my sword and the blade screeched down along the side with sparks exploding. Aodh lost his balance and I kicked him and he fell over. I spun and freed Niamh. She jumped into my arms and hugged me.
"My hero!" She whispered then pulled back and slapped my face. "What kept you?"
"Now," I said, "What are we going to do about him?"

"Here," Niamh grinned, "I have got this!" She reached into her robes and took out a disc-shaped object.
"A shield!" I said surprised, "Where did you get that?"
Aodh suddenly got to his knees and swung his head at Niamh. She blocked with her shield just in time. It protected her but the force knocked her and myself backward.

"Wait! What shield is that?" I asked.
"Just one I picked up."
"Show me."
She handed me the shield and studied it. It was gold and pewter.
"Wait, this is the king's shield!"
"Yes. So?"
"You got it when you went back, didn't you?"
"Aye."
"I told you it was cursed!"
"You did indeed." She grinned.

"Aw, for the love of Danu!"
"Look, our affairs can not get any worse than the ones we are in now!"
I just rolled my eyes!
"Right, let's see what this falla is made of!"