A Sacred Magic Read online

  Cernunnos coughed, looking chagrined. “Well then, I’m proud of you, son. Brighid, would you? It’s your volley.”

  I straightened my shoulders and turned to Brighid, waiting. Considering what we had just found out, I felt numb enough to hear what was coming next.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Ember, I’m calling in my favor,” Brighid said. “And the reason that you’re the one I’m asking goes back to yet another favor, one your mother asked of Morgana. For that, I turn the floor over to her. Please set the stage, Morgana.”

  Morgana leaned forward, her silvery eyes glittering. “To be succinct, your mother knew that she and your father were going to die. She foresaw it. She came to me shortly before they were killed, asking me for protection for you. She knew they couldn’t escape the fate your grandparents had planned for them—it was woven into their tapestries. I agreed to help, but I wasn’t sure how to ensure that you would survive the assassination. I approached Brighid, asking her for assistance.”

  I was getting awfully tired of destiny. She seemed like a first-class bitch.

  Brighid picked up the conversation. “When Morgana came to me, the only way I could ensure you’d be safe was by asking the Weaver to weave a destiny into your tapestry that required you to reach adulthood in good health. And the Weaver agreed. Neither Morgana nor I realized what it involved until this business with Nuanda arose, and then it became clear. Nuanda carries the shield of Longlear, correct?”

  I nodded. “Yes, he does.”

  “One sword, and one sword only can cleave through the shield to expose the one wielding it. And I was the one who forged that sword thousands of years ago. It’s known as Brighid’s Flame. I created it so that once it was fully tempered, no god could wield it. This protected Lugh from angry rivals. But it also meant that only mortals could carry it. I wove a magic into its making that only a Fae maiden could shoulder the sword.” Brighid held my gaze.

  “And I’m Fae.”

  “Yes, you are Fae, and you’re female.” Brighid motioned to Lugh. “Tell them how you came to lose Longlear.”

  He cleared his throat. “I was carrying it when I came to a lake. The grotto was beautiful and quiet, and I thought I’d have myself a bath. I disrobed, and went swimming. When I returned to shore, my shield was missing. I had placed my spear next to a large tree, and I suppose Nuanda overlooked it, thank heavens.” He paused for a moment. “I later found out that Nuanda had been following me. He hates me because the Tuatha de Dannan accepted me, but the Fae won’t accept him.”

  “That’s what we figured out,” Yutani said.

  “Nuanda isn’t a god.” I held Lugh’s gaze.

  “Exactly. The Tuatha de Dannan wouldn’t have accepted me either if I’d been mortal. Anyway, Nuanda has my shield, and it will protect him from harm unless someone can break the shield. And that requires Brighid’s Flame.”

  I caught my breath, sitting back. “So I have to go up against Nuanda?”

  Brighid nodded. “I asked Corra, the Oracle. She confirmed it.”

  Scratching my chin, I asked, “Does she predict that I win the battle?”

  “That, alas, is not for us to see,” Lugh said.

  I glanced at Herne, who was staring at me with open concern. I blew him a silent kiss as I mulled over the situation. It was up to me to break the shield. Which meant, I would be face-to-face with Nuanda, and therefore, the most likely to strike him down.

  “All right,” I finally said. “Give me the sword.”

  Brighid and Morgana exchanged glances again.

  “All right, I saw that look. What’s up?” There was something more they weren’t telling me. “Just put all your cards on the table, please. Tell me everything I’m up against.”

  “There’s a little problem,” Brighid said. “I don’t have the sword. And I can’t get it. I hid it for safekeeping, but to be honest, since it’s the only hope we have of removing Nuanda’s protection, we can’t entrust just anybody to bring it back. There’s too much riding on this mission.”

  I frowned. “So where is the sword?”

  Brighid glanced at Cernunnos, who said, “In a forest that the gods are no longer welcome to enter. We’ve decided to send Yutani and Viktor with you. Bear in mind, the sword was hidden eons ago, before the forest got so persnickety.” His dark eyes flashed as he spoke.

  “All right,” I said slowly. “Is the forest over here, or is it over on Earth?”

  “Here,” Morgana said. “The forest is called Y’Bain. It’s the oldest forest in Annwn, and one of the most magical. You’re going to chance running into a lot of sub-Fae, as well as other creatures. That’s why I want you to take Serafina with you. She’s used to the forests over here, and she’ll protect you if you wield her with confidence.”

  A bow as a bodyguard made about as much sense as anything else did at this point.

  “How far into the forest is the sword, and how will I know where to look?” I wanted something to take notes with. “Does anybody have a pen or pencil and a pad of paper?”

  Brighid rose and crossed to a sideboard, where she withdrew what looked like a spiral-bound notebook and a gel ink pen. I laughed aloud, thinking that at least there were some things we did better on our side of the portal than Annwn.

  She handed them to me. “Here you go. And before you say it, yes, we do covet a number of things from your world.” Her eyes sparkled and her smile was filled with her warm and gracious nature. Brighid was truly a beautiful goddess, inside and out. Just standing near her made me feel good. It was something about her aura.

  I took the notebook and pen and began jotting down notes. When I caught up, I motioned to her. “Go ahead. I’m ready.”

  “We will start you out on a path into the forest of Y’Bain. Follow that path until you come to a massive fairy ring. The path splits at that point. It does continue on the other side of the ring, but if you pass through the ring, you’ll end up going through a portal to some of the ancient burial mounds belonging to the Ante-Fae. Over here, the Ante-Fae are more coordinated, and they do have hidden cities in the forests and jungles.”

  I shuddered, not wanting to think about what those cities would be like. Raven was wonderful, and so were some of her friends, but we had also met some Ante-Fae who were deadly and cruel, and who made my skin crawl.

  “Check. Do not set foot inside the fairy ring.”

  “When you come to the fairy ring, you will take the left-hand path—the one to the west, and it will eventually curve to the north. Oh, around that area, you have a really good chance of encountering will-o’-the-wisps. They’re more powerful over here than they are in your realm, so try to avoid them if you can.”

  “Oh, this is just getting better and better,” I mumbled.

  “Excuse me? Did you ask something?” Brighid said.

  I shook my head. “Nope.” Sometimes, discretion was the better part of valor.

  “Once you turn north, the trail is clearly marked so continue to follow it until you come to a lake. Lake Discover, too, has its dangers. There are a number of water Fae in the area, and as you know from your own blood, they can be deadly.”

  Water Fae. Be cautious, I scribbled down.

  “On the opposite side of the lake, you will find an ancient well—the Well of Tears. A guardian watches over it. She’s what we call a Lamentation. I’ll give you a marker to give her. Once you do, she’ll allow you to retrieve the sword from the well. If you don’t give her the marker, she’ll fight you and I guarantee, she’ll win.”

  “Lamentation. Check. Marker. Check. Don’t lose it. Okay, continue.”

  Brighid stifled a laugh. “Once you have the sword, return as quickly as you can. I would provide you with horses to use in the wood, but they all run in fear from that forest, so I’m afraid you’ll have to go on foot. It should take you no more than two days to reach the lake and the well.”

  “Two days in, two days out. I assume that includes resting at night?”

&nbs
p; Brighid nodded. “Yes. We’ll supply all the gear you need. However, I warn you now: do not, under any circumstances, build a fire in the forest. The trees are alive and they’re ancient. They don’t appreciate unwelcome guests. And to them, anyone who does not live within their shelter is an unwelcome guest.”

  I took a deep breath, reading over the instructions. Then it hit me what day it was. “Tomorrow’s Imbolc, your feast day, Lady. Does that play any significance in terms of the trip?”

  Brighid shook her head. “No. And normally, I would bid you to stay and celebrate. It’s a merry day here in my castle. But there’s so much riding on this that you should start out this afternoon. My guards will ride with you to the edge of the forest. You’ll camp outside for the night and get a bright and early start tomorrow morning.”

  “Brighid’s correct,” Cernunnos said. “You should start today.”

  “Do you have any other questions?” Morgana asked.

  I looked over the list of instructions, trying to think of anything that might be useful. “How will I know where the sword is? You said that it’s near the well?”

  “In the well, actually. You’ll understand once you actually come to the Well of Tears and give the Lamentation her marker. The well was sacred to me at one time, used to bathe those who were in mourning. My priestesses guarded it, until the forest drove us out. The Lamentation is the spirit of one of those priestesses.”

  “Sometimes, even the gods are in danger from the natural forces of the world,” Cernunnos said. “I rule the forest and even this woodland doesn’t care for me. Y’Bain is alive and sentient. It’s very much a hive mind. So take care not to injure any part of it, build no fires inside, and steal no wood or rock. To do so will only rain trouble down on your heads.”

  And with that, I had my marching orders. Yutani, Viktor, and I remained silent as a burst of conversation rose around us.

  An hour later, Brighid’s servants were going through our gear with us. Yutani and Viktor were overseeing the operation, while I stood next to Angel and Talia. The task ahead loomed large, and I thought about Angel’s premonition that I wouldn’t be coming back.

  “Promise me you’ll be careful,” Angel said, resting her hand on my arm. “I don’t want to lose you. You’re my best friend. You’re the only sister I’ve ever really had.”

  “I don’t want to lose me either,” I said. “I’ll do what I can to be careful, but they’re right—this seems like our only chance to take down Nuanda. I have to get that sword. And after that, I have to face him with it. I don’t think I care much for destiny,” I added. “Sometimes not knowing what lies in your future seems a lot more palatable than having it spelled out for you.”

  “You’ll manage,” Talia said. “You faced worse before. Kuveo was no picnic. And neither was the Cailleach. At least Nuanda’s mortal, once you get the shield away from him.”

  “Sure,” Angel said. “You can do this, and we will be right behind you, supporting you.”

  “Hell, I’d go on the trip if I could, but they seem to feel that you’d be better off with Viktor and Yutani,” Talia added. “But whatever I can do, all you have to do is ask.”

  “Me too, you know that.” Angel wrapped her arms around me, giving me a tight hug. “Just come back alive, in one piece.”

  I glanced up to see Cernunnos crooking his finger at me. He was standing next to Morgana and Herne. As I approached them, Herne reached out, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. He pulled me close to him, and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Cernunnos grinned. “You know we’d send our son with you if we could. But his presence would do more damage than good. The forest doesn’t like the gods. Y’Bain would admit me, given I rule over all woodland areas, but it wouldn’t be friendly. I want to talk to you about Y’Bain. I want you to know what you’re walking into.”

  I nodded, gazing up into those brilliant gold and green eyes. Cernunnos stood seven foot two, with the most massive muscles I had ever seen. He was strong, without an ounce of fat on him. Narrow braids the color of a raven’s wing fell to his thighs, and his skin was a golden tone, almost olive, with tattoos of serpents winding around his forearms. He was dressed formally today, wearing a pair of brown trousers, over which he wore a hunter green tunic and a golden belt. A green and gold cape flowed from his shoulders.

  Cernunnos was the perfect match for Morgana, who was dressed in an indigo-colored gown, gossamer and sheer. Beneath the bodice of the dress, I could see her pale, round breasts, and she was wearing a pale silver underskirt. Her hair was bound up with silver combs, and tendrils fell in loops and curls around her shoulders.

  “Tell me what to expect, then.” I leaned against Herne, wanting to stay within the safety of his arms as long as I could.

  “The forest of Y’Bain is the oldest forest in Annwn. It spreads far and wide across the realm, and at one point it touches my own forest. It’s the wellspring from which this realm was born, the most ancient of forests, and it’s taken on a life of its own. The soul of the forest is crafty and cunning, and has grown so strong that it seldom listens to anyone save itself. Those who live within it are protected as long as they follow the rules. Brighid already told you to light no fires within it, and I must stress that. Fire is the enemy of the forest. If you let a stray spark fly from your fingers, not even I could save you.”

  “You said it’s sentient?”

  “Y’Bain has developed a hive mind. Each tree, each bush, each blade of grass belongs to the hive. Take no wood, light no fires, pick no fruit, unless you are invited. The Fae who live within are ancient and treacherous, as wily as the Ante-Fae over in your realm. They are not governed by the laws of the great cities. In fact, neither TirNaNog nor Navane ever sends soldiers into the forest. They learned the hard way how easy it is to lose troops among the shadow of the trees. I cannot impress this enough: the moment you walk into those borders, you are alone.”

  More nervous than ever, I glanced anxiously at Herne. “I wish you could come. I know you can’t, but I wish you could. I’m frightened.”

  “You can find me through the waters.” Morgana stepped forward and tipped my chin up so that I was looking into her eyes. “There are numerous water elementals in the lakes. You can find me through them. They also guard the streams. If you need help when you’re near water, call on them. They tend to remain unaligned. And the streams of Y’Bain are numerous, and wind around through the woodland.”

  Viktor cleared his throat. “I think we’re ready.”

  I turned Cernunnos. “Is there anything more we should know?”

  “Travel by day, make camp by night, and keep watch. Trust no one that you encounter. Make as quick a pace as possible, and the moment you have the sword, start your return. We’ll be waiting for you. That’s the best advice I can give you. The fate of the Fae in your realm depends upon you, Ember. What happens between you and Nuanda will set the destiny of both Light and Dark Fae in your world. Be safe and take my blessing with you.”

  Morgana kissed my forehead. “A kiss for safety as well. My love travels with you, and my magic. You can do this, Ember. I have utmost faith in you. Use whatever powers you need to in order to bring back Brighid’s Flame.”

  I turned to Herne, trembling. “I’ll do what I can. And if something happens —”

  He shook his head, trying to shush me, but I waved away his protest.

  “No, please listen. This is a dangerous mission and I’m not sure how we’ll come through. I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises. If anything happens to me, I want you to help Angel. And take care of Mr. Rumblebutt. Help DJ. And remember me.” I was almost in tears, because deep in my heart, I was terrified. Angel’s premonition had wormed its way into me and I wasn’t sure whether the fear I was feeling was hers or my own.

  Herne held my hands in his. “Ember, you will come back to me. I love you so much. And I wish I could take this on my own shoulders. I’ll go with you to the edge of the forest, and there I’ll
wait until you return. Never forget my love, and make good use of Serafina. She likes you, and her aim will be true for you. Remember that I made her, so a piece of me goes with you.”

  He leaned down then, pressing his lips against mine, and I tried to memorize every moment of the kiss, the warmth of his lips against mine, the feel of his skin against mine. When he finally let go, I shouldered my pack and took the walking stick Viktor held out to me.

  “Can we wait with you?” Talia asked Herne.

  “Yes, I figured you and Angel would want to wait with me so I asked them to gather camping gear for us. Brighid’s guards, along with several of Father’s guards, will wait with us.” Herne motioned, and ten stalwart Elven guards marched out, in full leather armor.

  Lugh stepped forward, extending his hand to me. “Good luck. The others have faith in you, and I see why. Bring back the only weapon that can cleave Longlear. I will not be sorry to see it broken, given the circumstances.”

  And that was it. There was nothing more to say. After we dressed for the road, we trooped out into the courtyard where horses waited for us, more of the beautiful white Andalusians that we had seen driving the carriages. We would ride as far as the edge of the forest, and then leave our horses with Herne and the others. I glanced into the sky. It was cold and the snow crunched under our feet, but at least we had a clear afternoon in which to ride.

  We set out, with Brighid, Cernunnos, Morgana, and Lugh the Long Handed waving.

  I kept my eyes on the road ahead of me. I was frightened, yes, but a swell of excitement rose up, and I could feel the Autumn Stalker side of me rejoicing to be on horseback, riding toward the woods, out on a hunt.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Shortly after sunset, before it was full dark, we approached the outskirts of the forest of Y’Bain. The tree line stretched as far as we could see, and the trees were tall and thick. The forest was a mix of conifers and deciduous, tall fir and cedar mingling with oak and maple and birch. Unlike the forest we had passed on our way to Brighid’s Castle, this woodland was dark and thickly overgrown, the foliage dense below the trunks of the tall trees. There was a dark feel to the forest, and even from several miles away, while the forest was still a dark blotch on the horizon, I could sense the energy.