Three cycles passed in Imchad, city of the Anakim. Tuatha and Laegaire rarely saw their children, they were now old enough to be off on their own adventures. But they were never far away, keen to join their parents if the time came for them to help in the upcoming battle, they often chatted about the south and who the enemy were. They dreamed of battle and Laegaire shook her head and looked sad. It was hard to tell them of the horrors of war. Now they were nearly eight cycles old and young warriors. Celthair was strong and as beautiful as the snow-capped mount Dagemar and Aillel was as strong as the base of the mountain itself. They could win a friendly fight with the best of the Anakim warriors and were well regarded.
Conail’s children Dom and Dreya were close friends of Aillel and Celthair and although lacking their height and strength, they were formidable warriors too and were natural sailors, due to Conail’s insistence that they learn how to sail on a smaller ship he had asked the giants to build first. Which he needed to scale a model of the much larger ship that he helped build for the giants.
Ainnle was training with the Anakim warriors and now Conail had completed the giants first ship, and they were beginning the second.
Freysia taught Laegaire how to sail a ship as well and Laegaire became like her sister, teaching her to fight with a sword.
It was late at night one day toward the end of the cycle, that Tuatha received a vision. He was not sure if it was Queen Dagemar or old Rhiannon. But it was clear. It was one word. “Come.” Tuatha was with Conail and Tuatha looked at him. One glance and Conail saw it in his expression, a mix of apprehension and excitement. It did not take long for them to find Laegaire and Freysia sitting under a tree in front of their home. The two men stopped and stared. They both had the same feeling seeing their partners so relaxed and inviting. It was almost a shame that they were about change their look into warriors once more. It would be a long time before they would see the simple beauty of these women because for a time, they would become fierce and dangerous warriors.
But Laegaire did not change her heart for Tuatha. Her outward fierceness did not match the soft love in her heart. Tuatha and Laegaire held each other close. They had enjoyed the peace of Imchad. Their children were wise and kind and prepared for what evil would throw at them. But they knew that a difficult time was ahead for all of them. Laegaire was very much Tuatha’s strength. Her love for him was stronger than before and she would fight beside him till her last breath. It was the same for Tuatha. If they stayed together, they would not only destroy Sennol forever, but they would also make a glorious king and queen who would restore peace and unity between all nations. Only then could they, along with all their people, watch their children grow and have children of their own.
Tethra had straightway alerted the commander of the Anakim, and the giants had loaded their massive ship with provisions and forty of their finest warriors had moved on board, they were assigned to assist them in the coming battle. Conail and Freysia with Dom and Dreya, loaded the smaller ship, Celthair and Aillel loaded their horses, and the ships were quickly ready to sail.
The whole city came out to watch them leave. Waving from the streets. The Queen Ariadne came and touched each of them lovingly on their heads, smiling and wishing them a safe journey.
The enormous ship was magnificent, made from the blackwood of the trees that grew in the great forests of Imchad. The wood was hard and durable, and the ship looked imposing. A fearsome battleship loaded with the Anakim warriors would strike fear not only to the pirates of the outer world. But to any naval vessel they came across.
The weather was fine, and the journey was uneventful. They arrived at the harbour of Don Cluana, the home of Conail and Freysia, after sixteen days sailing.
The massive black ship caused quite a stir and alarms were heard all over the city of Don Cluana, soldiers were seen setting up Ballista’s as part of their defence. Conail had instructed the Anakim ship to sit further offshore and weigh anchor, while he sailed in and settled their fears, announcing who they were.
Many people were on the dock and when they saw Conail was of their people, a ship in the style of their own yet made of the black wood of the north forests of the mainland, they clamoured and wanted to know what the big ship was and who it was. Many had heard stories from their traders of the people of the west with a fair complexion. Not many knew of the Anakim. Only of the dim lumbering Emim, who would never have the patience or the mind to construct a ship.
Conail was ushered to a platform and spoke to the crowds in the manner of his people when news arrived.
“My fellows, I am Conail of the house of Ribas,” he began. The crowd sighed with wonder. “Conail, Ribas’ son, he has returned,” they murmured.
Conail was the son of the chief steward, Ribas. So, the crowd knew who he was.
“I bring with me Tuatha, heir to the throne of Athlethan and king on Dun Emain.” He continued to announce all of them.
When he had spoken for a while, suddenly a voice shouted out and the crowd parted, as an older man moved eagerly to the front. “Conail, my son…” his voice broke as Conail ran down to him and they embraced. “Father, he said, “I am back!” Their tears flowed and the crowd cheered to see the son of Ribas the chief steward returned after so many cycles thought lost and dead.
Conail introduced his now wife Freysia to his father and she asked him if he knew the whereabouts of her family.
Freysia cried over when she heard her family were also well and her mother and father were living not far away.
Then the giants arrived and made their way down the streets of Don Cluana. The people were in awe, Giants, who looked regal and intelligent, unlike what they knew. They had only heard of the Anakim and to see them on their streets bought home the fact that these were indeed strange times.
Ribas was the chief steward of the custodians of the city. There was no authority in Don Cluana who held power. These stewards did day to day tasks for the city, and they were fed by the people. They relied on people to tip them when they fixed a road or removed a dangerous tree that threatened to fall on a home. They removed waste and protected the city from attack. It was these stewards who closely watched these strangers from the east. They watched Tuatha and Laegaire and their children, but it was only because of their fair hair and skin. Many had heard stories from their traders of the people of the east with a fair complexion.
They were awed by their leather and steel armour. Along with the signs of their royalty, shining swords and jewels embedded into their clothing.
Celthair was admired by the children for her majestic bearing, and it started many children lying in bed that night, dreaming that they too might one day be princes and princesses riding on horses and going into battle.
They had ridden their horses off the ship and were now surrounded by the children of the city. They dismounted and spent time shaking the hands and hugging these friendly people. Young girls shyly came and put flowers in Celthair and Aillel’s hair. They also hugged and welcomed their new friends Dom and Dreya. Young boys pushed and jostled roughly as they tried to look like warriors and battle ready. Dreaming of a time when they too could join in battle and return in glory.
Tuatha, Laegaire, Ainnle, Freysia and Conail, sat down with Ribas and discussed the events unfolding to the east.
“We cannot delay,” began Tuatha, “I have received a message that we must sail east with haste. Mac Roth is pushing on Athlethan and if he prevails, Esclarmonde will fall and then Dun Emain. The entire world will be under his power. It will leave Muinremar vulnerable to attack from the south.
Ribas listened carefully. He examined Salchah with reserved curiosity. He was not unaware of events that had happened. They had tried to trade with the dark city, and they had only robbed the people of Don Cluana. He agreed these were treacherous days and if the evil were to be removed all nations would need to come together.
As the group settled in Don Cluana, Tuatha found himself captivated by the beauty and charm of the queen of Don Cluana, her name was Elysia. Her presence was commanding, her voice like music, and her eyes held a depth that seemed to draw people in. Tuatha was captivated and when the queen saw Tuatha his eyes following hers, she saw the king she was looking for. Nothing else mattered.
Queen Elysia possessed an otherworldly beauty that seemed to transcend mere mortal standards. Her long, dark, cascading locks, the colour of midnight, framed a face of ethereal perfection. Eyes the hue of sapphires gleamed with intelligence and mystery, drawing one into their depths like the vast expanse of an enchanted ocean. Her skin, smooth as polished marble and kissed by the gentle caress of moonlight, radiated a luminous glow that spoke of a divine grace.
Laegaire was beautiful in a simple way. But her lovely character was beyond Elysia’s. Elysia had no good intentions for anyone but herself. She had seen Tuatha and decided she wanted him as king beside her, despite knowing he was married to Laegaire.
Caught in the allure of her charm, Tuatha's attention began to stray, his thoughts lingering on Elysia, even in moments meant for planning and preparation for the battles that lay ahead. Laegaire, sensing the shift in her beloved's focus, felt a pang of unease creeping into her heart. She watched as Tuatha's gaze lingered a moment too long, his smiles a touch too bright when Elysia was nearby.
Laegaire had confronted him, but he told her it was nothing. She knew this was a test Tuatha would need to go through as king. She would let him go, knowing their love would be tested and that he would only return if the love they had was eternal.
It was not long before Tuatha responded to Elysia’s request for an audience. He knew he should not, he still loved Laegaire, but his mind was battling pride in his heart. He was after all a king, so he complied.
In the intimate confines of Elysia’s chamber, the air seemed to shimmer with a tantalizing allure as Tuatha stood before her, his gaze ensnared by the mesmerizing depths of her eyes.
"Tuatha," Elysia purred, her voice a sultry melody that sent shivers down his spine, "you possess a rare quality, a regal essence that cannot be ignored. You are a king in your own right, destined for greatness."
Tuatha's pulse quickened at her powerful words that encouraged his ego, the intensity of her gaze, a magnetic pull drawing him closer to her. "But my heart belongs to another, Your Majesty," he confessed, his voice husky with desire, "to Laegaire, the love of my life."
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Elysia's lips curved into a knowing smile, her allure undiminished by his declaration. "Ah, Laegaire," she murmured, her tone laced with intrigue, "a fortunate woman indeed to capture the heart of such a formidable man. But tell me, Tuatha, do you not yearn for something more? Something that transcends the bonds of love, I can give you that and more. Power Tuatha, together we can achieve great things?"
Tuatha's resolve wavered in the face of her intoxicating presence, his thoughts clouded by the heady perfume of her words. "I... I cannot deny the allure of power, of ruling at your side," he admitted, his voice a breathless confession, "but my loyalty lies with my people, with Athlethan."
Elysia stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, a seductive dance that ensnared his senses. "And yet, imagine the possibilities, Tuatha," she murmured, her voice a tantalizing whisper against his ear, "imagine the world we could create together, as king and queen of Don Cluana."
Tuatha's heart raced with the intoxicating thrill of the forbidden, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of her seduction. "Your Majesty," he breathed, his voice a fervent plea, "you tempt me beyond reason. But I must stay true to my heart, to Laegaire."
Elysia's smile was enigmatic, her true feelings hidden, of annoyance and frustration, her appeal undiminished by his resistance. "Of course, Tuatha," she purred, her tone laced with a promise of untold delights, "take all the time you need to consider my offer.”
She fell back onto the bed, inviting him to join her.
Tuatha turned away, he was shaking, his thoughts clouded beyond reason. But something tugged at his senses, and it was the girl he had seen on Mount Dagemar.
“With respect my queen.” He said pushing his desire away regretfully. “I decline your offer.”
Her resolve faltered and it appeared on her face briefly. “But know that the throne of Don Cluana awaits you, should you choose to accept it."
With a quick glance filled with short lived regret, Tuatha took his leave, his mind ablaze with the forbidden allure of power and passion. And as he made his way back to his quarters, he knew that the seductive pull of Elysia would linger in his thoughts, a temptation he could not easily resist.
It was not long before he gave in to his desires and met with her again. It would be a test of his will and resolve, and he failed, such was the hold Elysia had over him.
Unspoken tensions grew between Laegaire and Tuatha, overshadowing their once unbreakable bond. Laegaire's fierce love for Tuatha clashed with the uncertainty gnawing at her, a silent battle raging within her soul. She felt the distance growing between them, a chasm widening with each passing day. She wept often, hiding her emotions when near him. They kept busy in their own ways, avoiding each other.
Yet, amidst the turmoil of his conflicting emotions, Tuatha found himself haunted by memories of his enduring love for Laegaire. In the quiet moments of the night, her face would appear in his dreams, her laughter echoing in his ears, reminding him of the depth of their connection.
One evening, as the last sun dipped below the horizon casting hues of gold and crimson across the sky, Tuatha sought solace by the edge of the sea. There, under the gentle embrace of the twilight, he found Laegaire waiting for him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
He stood alongside her; his expression wrought with frustration as he tried to find the right words to explain himself. Laegaire stood, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers in the distance.
"Laegaire, please," Tuatha began, his voice pleading, "you have to understand. It was never my intention to hurt you."
Laegaire turned to face him, her eyes flashing with a mixture of hurt and anger. "Do you think I'm a fool, Tuatha? Do you think I cannot see where your loyalties lie?"
Tuatha shook his head, his heart heavy with remorse. "No, of course not. But you have to understand, the allure of power, of... of beauty, it clouded my judgment."
"Beauty?" Laegaire scoffed, her voice laced with bitterness. "Is that what you call it? You were infatuated, Tuatha, blinded by the charms of another woman."
"I never meant for it to happen," Tuatha insisted, his tone growing desperate. "I love you, Laegaire. You are the beating heart of my soul, the light of my life. But I am only human, and I succumbed to temptation."
Laegaire's expression softened slightly, her anger giving way to a profound sadness. "And what of us, Tuatha? What of the vows we made to each other? Do they mean nothing to you?"
"They mean everything to me," Tuatha replied, his voice cracking with emotion. "But I am flawed, Laegaire, just as you are. I made a mistake, a terrible mistake, and I will spend the rest of my days trying to make amends."
Laegaire turned away, her shoulders slumped with defeat. "I don't know if I can ever forgive you, Tuatha. You have shattered my trust, broken my heart."
Tuatha stepped forward, reaching out to her, his voice trembling with sincerity. "Please, Laegaire, don't give up on us. Our love is stronger than this. Let us rebuild what was broken, together."
For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of their words hanging heavy in the air. And then, slowly, hesitantly, Laegaire turned back to him, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Very well, Tuatha," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But know this: if you ever betray me again, there will be no second chances."
In the hushed intimacy of that moment, with the rhythmic melody of the waves as their only witness, Tuatha poured out his heart to Laegaire. He confessed his inner turmoil, his fleeting infatuation with the queen, and the fear that their love had faltered in the face of temptation.
With tears of her own glistening in her eyes, Laegaire reached out to him, her touch a balm to his troubled soul. She spoke of the trials they had faced together, of the love that had weathered storms and stood unyielding against all odds. And in that sacred space of vulnerability and honesty, their love would be renewed, stronger and more resilient than before.
Her forgiveness moved Tuatha, his love for Laegaire grew stronger.
Laegaire knew Tuatha was telling the truth, he would make mistakes again, as would she. But they had vowed to work through these things.
They both knew that no fleeting infatuation could ever overshadow the boundless depths of their love, a love that had endured through the ages and would continue to burn brightly for eternity.Top of FormBottom of Form
Quietly and slowly, they walked back hand in hand to their quarters. There, Tuatha reaffirmed his love and desire for his first love.
It was a few days later, when they all left Don Cluana, four more ships, the defensive navy of the merchant ships of the people of Don Cluana with all their forces had joined them, leaving behind a defensive contingent of fighters. The Anakim ship with the five smaller ships around it sailed back toward the mainland, after three days with a fair wind from the west, it was not long before they could see the shoreline and in the distance a plume of smoke rising and blowing toward the southeast from atop Mount Triune.
When Tuatha saw Mt. Triune, anger arose in his chest, he longed to attack Sennol Uathach, find the dark lord and destroy him. Laegaire saw him fuming as he looked to the black mountain.
“We must protect Athlethan” she said, “Our people are in danger.”
Tuatha nodded. It was a tempting offering to attack Sennol while it was weak. There would be no protection for it, as all forces were facing Athlethan, and all their hate was directed at one vulnerable city.
After three more days, Conail came to Tuatha while he stood on the stern of the ship, looking at the shoreline passing by. “We are about to be in sight of Port Sencad, it very well could have a small contingent of Amerghin’s forces. We either stay out of sight or we send a small boat under the cover of darkness to assess the situation.”
Tuatha stood looking into the dark horizon and thought for a moment.
There was some benefit in removing any threat at the port. They would be able to use the port to land and flank any of Amerghin’s forces as they retreated in an event of a victory. But alas victory seemed so afar off it felt almost impossible.
“Let’s do that, send a boat in to assess the situation,” he said, “We will know by morning what we are dealing with there.”
The ships weighed anchor and a small skiff was lowered. Ainnle and four sailors were aboard, and it disappeared quickly into the night toward the shore.
Tuatha sank into the hammock with a sigh, as Laegaire’s arms wrapped around him. His sleep was fitful and Laegaire groaned as he tossed and turned. Finally, he got out of the hammock, Laegaire murmured and hardly awoke, already looking relieved, even in sleep. Tuatha stood and stared at her in the moonlight that was streaming in through the hatch above, his mind torn by the thought of losing her in battle and wanting her to stay away along with his children, he took comfort in Riangbra, and he trusted as always, it would keep them all safe.
He went up on deck and paced up and down the deck. A very faint light was allowed to burn low down on the deck, so as not to be noticed by any enemy boats or even anglers that may have passed and would alert the port guard.
The smoke from the mountain hid the stars and so the night was as black as if he were blind. In the darkness he saw visions of horses with riders atop them galloping hard, movement of colour and flashes of light the same as one sees when their eyes are closed, and images just seen are imprinted on the retina. But Tuatha’s imprints were born from his mind, heavy with worry and memories of his journey.
A black dragon with red eyes came fast toward him filling his vision and expanded to blackness in his minds vision.
But it was not his mind, there were two eyes that were now large and red, looking at him, then a rush of wind and the ship lurched and sank deeper into the water on one side. Then hot breath and some reflections from shiny black scales.
“Greetings O Tuatha, offspring of Emain.” Said a voice deep and resonant.
Tuatha stepped back to make room for the bulk of the Leviathan. Perched on the side of the ship which was listing dangerously due the bulk of Dray Goen.
“Dray Goen, it is good to see you,” he said.
“I just wanted you to know myself and my brothers and sisters are here and following you, just out of sight and ready when needed.” Said Dray Goen, “We are gliding in the upper atmosphere on the winds. We can stay there for days.”
“That is good to know, and I appreciate you keeping your promise to me and the people of the Deep Lands.” Said Tuatha, “But you must go, I can hear people coming to see why the ship is tilted over so much, I will look forward to seeing you once the battle is over.”
Dray Goen nodded and spread his wings, which were twice as wide as the ship was long. With one giant flap and a rush of air the ship lurched and righted and Dray Goen’s rushing wings faded into the distance, far above their position on the face of the sea.
Two sailors appeared, coming to inspect why the ship had lurched to one side, just as the ship lurched again, they fell over, rolling up against the mainsail post. They sat up rubbing the sore spots on their bodies.
“What was that,” one of them groaned.
“It was a large wave I think,” said Tuatha, pretending to look over the side of the ship.
The men shook their heads. “It’s nothing like I’ve felt before, it was very strange.”
“We live in strange times.” Tuatha replied. “Now go and rest, tomorrow we may have our first fight on our hands.”
Tuatha went back to Laegaire, he was cold after the chill that was now in the air and Laegaire moaned as he warmed himself against her. Dray Goens presence had bought confidence to his demeanour, once more he felt as if he could do what was asked of him. Laegaire awoke and kissed him. He smiled at her in the dim light, and she looked relieved to see the worry had lifted from his face and he was the calm and purposeful Tuatha she had known before.
“What changed?” she whispered, her hands caressing his neck.
“I do want to tell you, “He murmured into her hair.
Telling Laegaire would be good for her too, he thought to himself.
“Have you heard of the Leviathan?” he began.
Laegaire moved so she could see his face and she looked at him quizzically.
“It’s not like you to suddenly bring up childhood stories,” she said. “Are you sure you don’t want to keep this story for the children?”
He looked at her with a serious expression.
“I have met one, they do exist. He was just here, perched like a bird on the side of this ship. They have been here since Riangbra created this world.”
Laegaire shook her head and blinked at him, realising slowly that he was serious.
“Really?”
Tuatha nodded, staring at the ceiling.
“They are quite large. The one I met was called Dray Goen.”
“You are telling me they speak our language?” said Laegaire incredulously.
“Yes, and they have large wings as wide as the length of the Anakim ship. They look a little like the lizards back home but more upright, fierce looking too. They also breath fire. Apparently, Dray Goen used his fire to help forge this Scatach metal onto this sword,” he pointed at Salchah leaning against the wall. “He knew my ancestor, Emain himself.”
“So, it’s true,” said Laegaire. “Even my mother thinks they are a myth. They were created to protect the first people from the elemental beasts of the caverns deep in the earth, does that mean they are real too?”
Tuatha nodded, his mind going over the possibilities that the Leviathan had opened.
“I was terrified when I was young of the idea they existed. When I got older, I pushed them deep into my mind the same way they were driven deep into the earth by Emain and the Leviathan.”
She cuddled into Tuatha as if trying to hide from her childhood fears. Tuatha felt comforted that they had allies like the Leviathan watching over them.
“Dray Goen told me they are mostly true events that were lost in time.” Tuatha replied.” Early writings of the prophetica tell the early events of history, but as time went on, they were left out because people could not substantiate the stories with reality. It looks like the historical prophetica might need to be rewritten with the old text.”
“I cannot wait to meet Dray Goen,” said Laegaire.
“The Leviathan are magnificent, even if I only saw Dray Goen in the dark, both times,” replied Tuatha.
As he spoke the ship shuddered and a loud thump signalled the return of the spy boat. Laegaire’s heart fell, these moments talking, in each other’s arms were precious few. They almost always fell asleep at different times, one of them or both exhausted from the responsibilities that weighed heavy on them both.
They kissed once more, relishing the last few seconds then quickly arose and put on their leather armour, meeting Ainnle on deck who looked exhausted but triumphant.
“There is a contingent of forces there,” he said, “they will easily be defeated. I think the opportunity would be beneficial for the future of the war. But we cannot allow anyone to escape and alert Amerghin of our numbers and our arrival.”
Tuatha looked at Laegaire and they nodded in agreement. Ainnle drew up a rough sketch of the city and an attack sequence was planned.