Gryffynhall (the Danu Cycle: Fiann Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter Twenty

In the morning, Niamh couldn't move.

There was a banging on her door, but she felt frozen as though all her muscles had seized up. The banging persisted, and she heard Lochlan's voice on the other side.

"Oh, for goodness' sake, come in," she called.

Lochlan popped his head around the door. "Why are you still in bed?"

"Because I can't move. My body's finally given up."

"Oh, tish pashaw." Lochlan came in and sat on the bed next to her. "I see we're without pants again. Do you ever wear pants?" She could hear the concealed laughter in his voice.

"Shut up," Niamh replied. With a thought, she had pants on again.

"Watch out for that. You'll take all the fun out of life if you do everything by magic."

"When I can move, I'll dress myself."

"Stop being so dramatic. Here." He clicked his fingers and a cup of smoking liquid appeared in his hand. "Drink this. You'll feel better." He put a hand behind her head and helped her.

As the liquid ran down her throat, the smoke tickled her nose and she felt her whole body warm and tingle, like when your foot falls asleep and it starts to wake up again. Soon, the sensation passed, but she felt entirely refreshed. She sat up, stretching her muscles.

"What was that?"

"Special concoction, nicked from Eileen's cabinet." He grinned. "Come on, we need to get a decent breakfast in you." He saw she was about to get her sword. "Nah, leave that for today."

She nodded, pulled on her boots and followed him to the dining hall. Molly, Myrna, Killian and Owen were already seated when they joined them.

"Who will you ask, Owen?" Molly was asking.

In response, Owen turned bright red and mumbled into his coffee.

Molly laughed, "What about you, Niamh? Are you going to the ball with anyone?"

Killian looked up and Niamh wasn't sure what to feel at the failed hidden interest on his face.

Niamh smiled. "Loch and I are going as friends."

Molly's smiled brightened. "Really? That's lovely."

Niamh smiled and finished her breakfast. Killian didn't look at her for the rest of the meal.

Since Lochlan had told her to leave her sword, she milled about a bit aimlessly as they entered the gym. After being the last to breakfast, Niamh was surprised when she was one of the first to training.

Killian walked in behind her and Lochlan, and brushed passed. "You train her today, huh, Loch?" he said as he walked away.

Lochlan looked after him, a look of concern on his face for a moment, and then he smiled. "Sure thing. Let's find a mat."

Niamh sparred with Lochlan for a few hours, swapped to practice Combat Magic with the Fergs for a few hours, stopped to have lunch, trained with her sword with Lochlan, then sparred with Myrna until they were allowed to leave at six, actually giving them a break before dinner.

"You've all worked hard," Byrne said at the end of the day. "There is much to be said for being ready, but not at the cost of being too tired when the real fight comes. Tomorrow, those of you in Earth Magic – Lochlan, Myrna, Michael and Aaron – will go to your usual lesson, the rest will train. Thursday, those of you for Combat Magic – Chloe, Sophie, Fina, Fergus, Fergal and Niamh – will go to your usual lesson, the rest will train. Friday, Fenella and Owen will go to Mythology, while the rest of us train and the afternoon will be left free for preparations. Saturday or Sunday, we will start skirmishes. Use your breaks wisely. Study if you need it. Train if you need it. Rest if you need it. I'd advise you rest this evening. Be sensible. You know where your mentors are if you need them." He dismissed them.