Validus (Book Two Part One Of The White Witch Of A Stór Series)

Cogadh (War)

Anna

I've never seen so many men in my life. We have traveled two days and set up camp just inside A Stór's border. The hooves of our horses are louder than thunder as there is an army of 40,000 following me into Cruálacht.

There is no doubt of victory but Liam is fading. I can barely feel him and I'm unsure if he is still alive.

With the dagger secured safely against my thigh, encased in metal and the poisoned broach between my breasts, I will approach the cruel king with temptation, with God's grace the king will feel his wrath and evil will be lost to the light God shined upon me.

Alexander has been by my side all along and he has pledged his word to me and stuck by it. Colum has also been at my side but now it's time.

We rode into Cruálacht and gathered for prayer just as the earth rumbled and the wind picked up. My father tried to talk me out of approaching King Samuel alone but if I can end it before any unnecessary lives are lost I will take that chance.

The thunder has proven to work in our favor as it covers the sound of us approaching. Perhaps it was God's assistance to hide us until the time was right to expose ourselves to the evil king and his men.

The overly confident King has no barrier outside his castle which also works in our favor. It was dark as we chose the cover of night to protect us and rid his kingdom of evil.

Colum stopped me before I walked ahead. "Allow me to approach with you, my dear sister."

"No, I will allow him surrender, your presence will only provoke him. If we can end this peacefully, it will be done before measures of war." I said.

I stood in my satin shift as a gown, protected underneath by a corset of Miss Fitzgibbons making. Lust will be the man's weakness, then I will rid the world of him.

"Death at your hand will stain your soul. There is no recovery from such an act." He said.

"I am blessed by God's light and his will is also my own. I will defeat evil in his honor and he will bestow forgiveness upon me, just as I bestowed it upon King Charles." I said.

"Very well, if father has approved your fate then who am I to stand in the way of peace?" He bowed then took his place by my father's side. I looked at the men, all here to fight my cause and gave them all a curtsy before turning and facing the castle.

I walked alone, toward my fate and recited the rosary in a whisper as I approached.

"Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death

Amen."

As the castle came closer several rooms flickered with the light of fire but I felt eyes upon me. The silhouette of a man appeared and it was him, I could feel his evil eyes upon me. Once I was close enough for him to get a clear view of me I paused and looked up at him. I can only see a dark shadow but I can feel his stare burn through me.

He finally moved but I held my stance. Minutes went by then I felt it, he is coming closer, not the evil King but my love. Doors opened and guards raced outside the castle before the shadow once again appeared and slowly he turned into a man.

"I am Queen of Cogadh, daughter of A Stór and bringer God's of grace! I have come to claim the King of Cogadh and restore him to his rightful Kingdom!" I yelled over the clammer of thunder.

The man turned to the doors and suddenly my heart leaped when Liam was drug into view. "You are here for this useless King? He stands at death's doorstep!" The man yelled back.

"He is the son of Cogadh, ally to the king of A stór and husband to Grásta Dé! He is to be turned over to these three peaceful nations and your surrender is imminent to avoid war!" I yelled.

The man started to approach me and I heard my army stir, I raised my hand to stop them as the man approached.

"I am King of Cruálacht, ruler of the Celtic lands and surrender is not an option." He said when he approached.

"It is either your surrender or your blood." I made him stare into my eyes.

He turned toward his men. "Take the King back inside!" He ordered then turned to me. "I will only negotiate peace with His Majesty of A Stór. Sending a mere girl to do his bidding is cowardess." He snarled.

"I am the only one to negotiate. It is either me or my father's sword." I said and he looked back at my army.

"I must say I've never seen such beauty but you will not seduce me into surrender. I am a king, not a coward. There will be bloodshed, beginning with your own." Suddenly he grabbed me and turned me so I face my army with a dagger to my neck.

I have the king right where I want him as his army grew larger behind him.

"Tell them to back off!" He yelled before he started dragging me toward the castle.

"Take my life but they have orders to attack if any harm comes to me." I said.

"Hold your ground men!" The prideful king yelled just as I heard my brothers voice clearly from a distance. "Charge!"

"Charge!" Screamed King Samuels army as they ran past us and I'm drug inside the castle.

"Anna" I heard Liam's faint voice from the floor behind us. The battle outside is loud but my heart races even louder.