Emily's House: Book 1 of the Akasha Chronicles

Chapter 8: The Dark One Comes

Chapter 8: The Dark One Comes

Hours after Cormac betrayed the most sacred secrets of Ireland, Dughall ordered his men to assassinate Ruaidrí, the last High King of Ireland. Dughall’s official mission given to him by the Emperor was complete. Dughall had absolute control of the Emerald Isle.

But for Dughall, control over an island overrun with barbarians was not enough. He had his sights on something far greater. The next morning, Dughall put his highest commander in charge of Érie, and he set off with his best army to the south and west to search for the Sacred Grove of Brighid. At nightfall, Dughall ordered camp and went to his tent to eat alone.

As Dughall chewed his bread, he heard a slight rustling sound behind him. Within seconds, he was on his feet, turned around and had pulled his sword from its sheath. His men knew better than to enter his tent without permission.

In the darkness he saw a small figure appear. Is this a child in my camp? Child or no, I will kill anyone who dare enter my private tent.

But it was not a child. Standing before Dughall was a creature that had been relegated to legend. Dughall stood aghast and stared at a pixie.

Dughall could not believe in his own sight. He had heard the Celt peasants talk of forest folk and faeries, but he did not believe in it. Dughall thought it was just the talk of imbecile pagans.

Here it was though, standing no more than two feet high and extremely slight of build. Her ears came to a point, and her skin was as white and luminous as marble. Her wings were like those of a dragonfly. They were thin as onionskin, shiny, and iridescent. They changed colors depending on the light and her mood. The pixie’s eyes were overly large for her small face and dark as coal with no color visible at all. The overall impression was frightening despite her diminutive stature.

The sprite said nothing but bowed slightly. In a small voice that Dughall had to strain a bit to hear, she said, “I am Macha, of the Dark Sídhe. I come to offer my assistance to the one who has slain the last High King of Érie.”

Dughall was speechless. At last he said, “Why would you offer to help me? You are a faerie, and I seek to take over your country. Why help me in this plot?”

“There are many Sídhe in this fair land. Some are what the humans call ‘Fair Sídhe’. Others are ‘Dark Sídhe’, like myself. Before humans came, we were in all corners of this isle. We of the Dark Sídhe have never forgiven the humans for taking our lands from us and driving us to the knolls, mounds, trees, and underground.”

“Why do you think I would be different? I can tell you that I detest most humans, and I am not inclined to enjoy the company of bestial creatures any better. Your high pitched voice is already grating me.” Dughall eyed his sword as he considered wielding it.

“We believe that you will treat us differently because we have something that you need.” Macha’s voice was steady and without a hint of fear.

Dughall stopped eyeing his sword for the moment. “Tell me why I should not swat you down here and now.”

“We know why you are here and that your task is not yet complete,” Macha said.

Dughall raised his dark eyebrows. “What task is that?”

“You seek the golden ring, the torc of the Order of Brighid.”

She had his complete attention. Dughall’s sword dropped to his side. “Continue.”

“You seek the power that lies within the Grove. But there are potent spells and enchantments that protect the Grove. Despite these, you may break through. You have men to spare. But the Order also has allies such as the Fair Sídhe. Their magick is formidable, and they are loyal to the High Priestess and the goddess. You will need our assistance to even find the Grove, and once there, you will need our help to get inside.”

“Let us assume that you are correct and that I, Dughall, High King of Érie, needs you. What do you and your kind want in return?”

“The Dark Sídhe will be your allies and protect you and your lands from your enemies. In exchange, we will be equal to the humans that live here and have our own lands.”

Dughall thought for a moment and again eyed his sword. He did not know if he could trust the creature. Perhaps it has been sent by the High Priestess as a decoy.

On the other hand, Macha confirmed what Cormac had told him. And if it was true, the force of his armies may not be enough to obtain the object of his desire. I may need the magick of this detestable creature if I am to succeed in my mission.

“You may join me in this quest,” he said finally. “But know this Macha. If you or any of your kind betrays me, you will not need to bother with running to the mounds or forests. Your faerie blood will trickle into the roots of your beloved trees, and it will be the end of your kind.”

Macha simply nodded her head in understanding and took leave of Dughall as quickly as she came. Where she went he did not know and truly did not care. I may keep my word to her or I may not. It would depend on his mood.

Dughall lay on his bed of blankets and lamb’s wool and grinned widely. He could scarcely believe his unexpected luck. This is going better than I had planned. It is a sign of approval from the divine that my purpose is noble indeed. It will not be long now and I will hold in my hands the key to my deepest desire.