Emily's House: Book 1 of the Akasha Chronicles

Chapter 6: Sorcha

Chapter 6: Sorcha 

Saorla knew that she had one day, perhaps two, before Dughall and his army attacked her beloved Grove. A thick copse of wood and brambles surrounded the grove on all sides making it inhospitable to most who traipsed around the wood. A high, stone wall protected the grove. But thorns and stone would not deter men like Dughall.

For centuries, a powerful spell had hidden the wall from the view of all who passed. The spell could only be lifted by one who knew the proper incantation. Saorla lifted the spell briefly every time that Cathaír visited.

Saorla and the Order of Brighid could also count on their allies. The spirits of the wood, known as the Fair Sídhe, would use their trickery and cunning to slow the progress of Dughall’s host. If the men got close to the wall, the powerful spirit that lived in the woods surrounding the grove, Lianhan Sídhe, would entrance and befuddle Dughall and his men. And if Dughall’s army somehow managed to make it into the grove itself, the ancient spirit warrior Madame Wong would protect the priestesses. Madame Wong was practically an army in her own right.

But Saorla knew that an army of men determined to break down the walls could do so. No spell or the magick of forest folk could prevent it. She also knew that while the Priestesses of the order, the Fair Sídhe and Madame Wong would put up a fierce battle, twenty adult women, a handful of young girls, some faeries and a spirit warrior were no match for a whole army of men and horses.

The largest threat was that Dughall knew of the torc and he believed in the portal. Saorla’s vision was clear. Dughall was after the torc and he wanted to enter the Netherworld. Saorla knew it was not for a good purpose.

She summoned Cathaír to her chambers. I know what I must do. Propriety be damned, I must see him alone, thought Saorla.

Saorla had her back to the door when Cathaír entered her small but warm and inviting cottage. Cathaír knew her so well, he felt Saorla’s worry and fear before she even turned to face him. Being alone, he did what he would never have done at any other time. Cathaír turned her to him and gathered her in his embrace. Tears welled in Saorla’s eyes as she returned Cathaír’s kiss.

Cathaír wiped Saorla’s tears and held her hands in his. “My dearest love, do not cry.”

“Cathaír, there is so much that I wanted to say to you, my Anam Ċara, my soul friend. But we do not have the luxury of time. There is something that you must do for me.”

“Anything my love. You know I am your servant.”

“You will protest this task and say that you cannot. But you must not argue with me. Remember that first and foremost I am High Priestess of the Order of Brighid. My duty is to protect the torc and the portal at all cost.”

“Yes and my first duty is to protect you, your Highness.”

“But you protect me in order to protect the torc, Cathaír. Remember that now as I ask this task of you.”

“What task, dearest? You know I will give my life for you if you ask it.”

“Not your life, Cathaír. You must live. You must survive and protect Sorcha. She is the most valuable life for you to protect now. You must complete this task for me then leave this grove, ride in stealth, cover your tracks well, and go to Sorcha.”

“I cannot leave you, Saorla. Not now. You will need a strong warrior here.”

“You must leave. Sorcha’s life is what you must protect. She needs you.”

“Yes, Sorcha needs me. She needs us. We will both fight and defeat Dughall. Then we will retrieve Sorcha and live together as a family.”