Emily's House: Book 1 of the Akasha Chronicles

Chapter 7: The Order of Brighid

Chapter 7: The Order of Brighid

Dawn had not yet broken when the bell at the Great Hall rang again and again. The bell usually rang only for noon and evening meals. It was the signal that all should gather at the Great Hall. The air of the Sacred Grove was filled with tension as all in the Grove knew that the ringing of the bells meant trouble.

The Younglings nervously whispered to each other “What’s going on?” and “Do you know what’s happening?” They did not know why they had been summoned to the Great Hall before sunrise.

Saorla stood serenely in front of her chair at the head of the Great Hall and waited for all to filter in. She was dressed in her best white linen tunic and had a purple cape fastened about her shoulders with a large jeweled brooch. Her hair was tightly plaited and woven with small jewels. When they saw Saorla standing straight and solemn, bedecked in her best ritual finery, they fell quiet and took their seats. After a long silence, Saorla spoke.

“My sisters, you know that significant change is upon us. Since the beginning of the Order many moons ago, armies have come to our fair land to take what is not theirs. Our people have fought off these invaders time and again.” Saorla paused and sat in her chair.

“Many of you have had visions and know that this time, it is different.”

Saorla looked out and saw many of the priestesses nodding their heads. Their look of worry and fear meant that they too had seen the foretelling of the end of their world.

“Our High King is dead, and as I speak to you, there is an army advancing on this very Grove.” Several novices and even a few priestesses let out audible gasps.

The priestess Coventina said, “But we are protected here. The spells and enchantments are strong. And we have powerful allies in the Lianhan Sídhe and Madame Wong.”

“True, Coventina. These protections have served us well for centuries. But as we speak, a dark one comes to our Grove. He intends to gain use of the magick of Brighid for his own evil purpose. And he is being helped by a traitor of the High King, by one of our former brothers and by at least one of the Dark Sídhe.”

The women whispered in disbelief. Saorla continued.

“We have not much time my sisters so listen well to my words. We are the last of our kind and all that stands between this dark force and the Sacred Well. All of your preparation and training have been for a day such as this. You will need to draw on your skills of war as well as your magick craft.” Saorla paused and breathed deeply. I must inspire them and help them move past their fear.

“Each of you has a singular gift, something that you do better than anyone else. Use your gift in service to your sisters, in service to our noble land, and in service to the Goddess herself.” Saorla could see the priestesses sit a taller and felt their fear dissipate, replaced by pride and determination.

“Within one more rotation, you will fight the greatest battle this Grove has ever seen. You will fight for your life and for the soul of Ireland. These invaders have never seen women warriors before. They will underestimate you. Use that to your advantage.

“I will hold council with our allies the Fair Sídhe and request their aid in our time of need. The elder Priestesses and Madame Wong have instructions from me for your preparations and battle strategy. Do exactly as they ask of you.”

Saorla looked out on the faces of the Priestesses of the Order of Brighid and knew that it may be the last time she would see many of them. As she glanced down at the younglings in the first row, she felt a tear come to her eye. Am I doing the right thing? Shouldn’t I be by their side and fight with them? The thought of her sisters shedding their blood in battle made her shiver despite the warmth of the dawning day.

She took a deep breath and suppressed her tears. She knew sure of what she had to do. This is no time to question the deep knowing within.

“My sisters, I love you all. Remember, you are the embodiment of the Goddess herself. Let the Goddess flow through you. May your sword be true, your shield strong, your breath steady and may the Light of the Goddess be with you always.” With that, she put her hands in prayer position by her heart and bowed to her sisters. They bowed to her as well as she walked forward to bestow on each the blessing of the Moon. After she had blessed the last priestess, she walked out of the Great Hall for the last time, her purple cloak billowing behind her.