Saoirse pulled smoothly on the reins and eased her mare into a canter, she had made good progress since leaving the city and would be there with plenty of time to spare. For once she had been well prepared, it would not do to be late for a meeting such as this.
The night was fast approaching and the darkness was threatening to engulf her however Saoirse’s mood was particularly upbeat having finally escaped the clutches of Forzar to have a moment of peace to herself. Hortensia chose wisely, the Captain was taking his role seriously, too seriously.
The past two days he had not left her sight and already he had requested private access for his men into any and all documents within Morbhaile. He had power and authority and he was never shy to use both nor to remind her of the fact. A most infuriating man he made no attempt to ingratiate himself to her but instead seemed to thrive on the anger and hostility directed towards him. Every moment she felt like lashing out and every moment she had to restrain herself from doing so. Which was why she felt so free. Even so it was only through Cara’s quick tongue and careful preparation that she had managed to evade him, for the night at least. Not even a man of Forzar’s obtrusiveness could probe too greatly into the ‘womanly issues’ Saoirse was supposed to be having.
Men, Forzar had showed no problems bursting in and afflicting himself to clearly private and confidential meetings but one allusion to moon blood had him scrambling away.
The rest had proven relatively easy, Forzar had immediately established eyes all over the city and any departure through its streets would have been impossible to accomplish without it reaching his ears. Fortunately the underground passages which had been a closely guarded family secret since the earliest days of the city had allowed her to get outside the walls without having to bypass anyone.
Saoirse guided her mare over to where a few lonely ash trees stood vigil at the foot of the hills. Then she dismounted and tied her mare. Pausing a moment she looked up to the mound’s top where she could barely make out its immense standing stone circle, Ciorcail Cloiche. The location of the very first alliance of humans and Druaidíi it held a great import for Saoirse as it was Arann’s first chieftain her ancestor, Diarmuid O Connaill who had represented those early men. Perhaps it is a sign of good omen for me. Or not, depending on which historian was asked.
From far behind she thought she heard the whinnying of a horse. One of her guards no doubt. As usual Tomás had insisted on accompanying her on such a precarious task but she had declined taking Finn, Earla and Niamh instead. Tomás would have been her first choice, however with her bedridden it was essential he was clearly visible at Morbhaile, if not Forzar would likely have had his suspicions further aroused.
She began the climb making her way up the Southern stairs roughly etched into the hillside’s face, her progress was slow in the dark and she had to tread carefully up the path groping her way forwards.
Secrecy is not an option, it is a necessity, no fires, retinue, no evidence of departure, so said the letter handed to her in person by the disguised Aodhan, second son of Cillian Deirfuar, the apparent leader and organiser of the night’s assembly.
Saoirse was mindful to follow all of its directives, however frustrating.
After an hour of slow climb she eventually found herself at the hills peak and peered cautiously over into the centre of the Standing Stone circle, there she spied two figures already waiting. The taller of the two saw her approach and enthusiastically beckoned her over. Coming close she recognised the features and faces of both Earl Deirfuar and Earl Donnacha O Meahair.
“My Lords.” Saoirse gave a quick curtsy in response to their bows, “I am most glad to see such friendly faces at as uncertain times as we now live in. Let me also thank you for having this meeting here, with Hortensia’s lapdog at my door it would be beyond my ability to excuse any disappearance for any longer than a night.”
“Mention it not M’Lady, we know well the disservice and disrespect being shown to you and Arann, besides here is as good a place as any.” Deirfuar shook his head cursing, “Brandubh, Harfrigh, the Generals, each has their own seeds sprouted all over our land, it is no easy task for us all to meet, nevermind what must come next.”
Lord Meahair nodded his head in agreement, “The road we must take is not an easy one and we will likely suffer a great deal for our lands, already too much has been done and let unravel on our watch. The longer we delay the greater the danger we’ll have to face and the greater the challenge we’ll have to overcome.”
Meahair was still a young man but already had been Lord of Chairn for over ten years now. Saoirse had been barely ten herself when she had travelled to Lisduinn for the inauguration of the then sixteen year old Lord. Then he had seemed to her both dashing and brave in equal parts and as Saoirse looked into his strong, deep blue eyes she saw that despite the years of rule little had changed from her previous evaluation. Though the feelings it evoked certainly did.
“Ah Earl Ni Bhadha,” announced Deirfuar and Saoirse saw the cloaked, hooded outline of a woman as she came towards them from the Northern passage. Coming directly just behind her came another shrouded body.
“And Lord Domhnaigh, welcome.” Lord Deirfuar cleared up Saoirse’s question.
I still do not fully know our allies, she realised. Lady Maedbh she might have guessed but she had not expected to find Lord Riann Domhnaigh of Arravela to be here. But she was glad.
5, less than half of Aileann’s Lords. Still, five was far better than one, all is not yet lost it seems.
Deirfuar urged them close and the five gathered together to form a tight circle.
“It gladdens me to see you all here, in truth I did not know as to who, indeed if any would respond to my call. In times like these secrecy and shadows run the day, two areas which I admit to have neither love nor appreciation for.”
“Five have answered your call,” Lord Meahair began, “what of the other Lords and Ladies of Aileann? What of their positions?”
Deirfuar looked all around him as if searching for hidden foes, “Well as you are all no doubt aware many of our fellow Lords have made their positions quite clear. Harfrigh naturally leads the others, Brandubh has been named ruler yes but make no mistake, of any Aileanner it is Harfrigh who now commands the greatest say in its affairs. Though that does not mean we can forget Branudbh,” he added quickly.
He puffed out his cheeks, “With them we can safely assume stands Earl O Meagher, he has for many years now latched himself to Harfrigh’s wealth and power, add to that Earl O’Hara who sees this new power as a means to increase his own. Then there is Fiann O Faidhil.”
Deirfuar rubbed his beard thoughtfully, “He was one I thought of contacting for a time, however he is not a man of action but rather a man of reaction. He sees Brandubh, Harfrigh and the Milesians in control and will not go against them so long as that remains the case. If we were to have our own success however…”
“If, I did not come here to talk of ifs, perhaps Fionn and his reactions can be discussed later, I count four then on our enemies side, there are five of us which leaves three unaccounted for?” The Lady Widow made no effort to hide her impatience, her face was that one which had seen and faced much, though she could not have been more than forty her family had lost much in the Empire Wars, her husband and two sons had fallen victim to the Milesian swords. All that remained was her and her daughter. The ferocity and strength of the woman however had grown rather than wilted and Saoirse was most glad to see her here. She had always spoke kindly to her in their few interactions, or at least what she supposed was kindly, she was not one for idle talk.
Deirfuar sighed, “It does, though I would not wait overly hopefully for their aid. Earl Asdhearg replied with silence to my call, unsurprisingly he will look only to keep what he has already, unless his own power is directly opposed he will not stir from his keep. Earl Bhaine is but a boy of thirteen, he nor his mother more importantly, will not do anything to risk him nor their lands in danger. And as for Earl Anathnid well-”
“He will do as the Islanders always have done and ignore all that happens on Aileann, continuing on with their savage unholy traditions,” Saoirse interjected.
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‘“Well yes actually that’s exactly what they’ll do,” agreed Deirfuar.
“You are not worried those which did not answer to our call will reveal our plans?” enquired Earl Meahair, his eyes narrowing.
Deirfuar looked at him with contempt. “Do you believe me such a fool? With Brandubh about. No, no I do not fear, they will say nothing. The men I sent to gauge their position were chosen with just that in mind.”
“Then let us not tarry and discuss what we must, the sooner we are away and in our homes again the better.” Earl Domhnaigh spoke with a manner of fact tone, one which highlighted his heavy northern accent. Short and stocky build, his beard and long black hair were wild and unkept, which was most contrasting to his nature, a man who was as detailed and meticulous as any other.
“Let us speak first on our options at present,” Lord Meahair looked to each of them in turn, “if we five pull together and combine our forces we would have a considerable army at our back. Considerable but not near enough to carry out a direct attack.”
Deirfuar folded his arms across his chest, “Not yet no, though we may need to later.”
Lord Domhnaigh shifted restlessly, “Brandubh and Harfrigh plotted and conspired to put themselves in power, it would seem we will have to do likewise.”
Lady Ni Bhadha clenched her jaw tightly, “A game Brandubh has been playing since he first arrived to Breogan’s court and likely sometime before. We must trust no one but ourselves and keep everything we do a closely guarded secret from as many as we dare.”
Saoirse bit her lip, “As Lord Meahair has rightly pointed out, even our entire armies could not trouble them, perhaps then we should consider others which may seek to help us?”
“Such as?” Meahair asked, clearly perplexed.
“Such as the Druaidíi, and the Giants along with them, for my men recently arrived to Belvoir have heard reports that the two have joined within Dún na Rí’s walls. Something which has complicated the assault.”
Lord Domhnaigh shook his head, “Complicated yes but stopped it no. My men too have reports, some of which I received whilst on my way here tonight. By all accounts come what may Dún na Rí will be taken by tomorrow night if not before. Even if we did decide to march to their aid we would be too late. I fear we may forget their aid or support in this struggle.”
“Agreed, we five here must be the ones to right Aileann’s wrongs no one else.” Saoirse nodded at Maedhb’s words, though a part of her felt dismayed, I can’t help him, whatever it is between us it cannot be allowed bring about mine and Arann’s end.
“A pity, say what you will of the Druaidíi I would feel a greater deal more confident with them at our backs, them and their magic.” Deirfuar turned his head from side to side demonstrating his frustration. “However Lady Maedbh is right, it’s down to us and the first thing we must do is identify and explore what weaknesses we can find in our new leaders and their arrangement with Milesia.
They remained silent for a while, each pondering his words. Saoirse clicked her teeth, “They are not in as strong a position as they believe. That is their first weakness, their arrogance is thinking they have already put us down. Secondly that which binds the new rule, Brandubh and Harfrigh. Let us worry on Milesia later, those two should be our main focus for now. It is their delicate alliance which provides the foundations of this new regime.”
She paused a moment collecting her thoughts, she looked to each of them in turn. “Harfrigh would gladly have rid of Brandubh if given the opportunity, he only requires him now because his appointment as leader would have been met with far greater resistance and complications. But he was never a patient man. We could make use of that fact.”
“We could indeed,” added Meahair, “and as for Brandubh we know all too well his now clearly evident desire for power. He is no fool he will know Harfrigh’s mind as well as any and will know too his own danger with Harfrigh prowling. Once Harfrigh feels he has enough sway within the Royal Army to displace Brandubh then he will make his move. Both then are likely to want rid of the other.”
Domhnaigh scratched his head animatedly, “So we must set them against one another. In such a way which hides our own involvement.”
“A thankless task,” proclaimed Maedbh doggedly.
“Yet perhaps there is an opportunity available to us with them now so separated,” Saoirse continued, “no matter what the result at Belvoir Brandubh will not return to Gorias for some several days, and Harfrigh is at Carthaga appealing his own credentials to Hortensia no doubt.”
Lord Meahair looked at her intensely, “What opportunity would that be?”
“The opportunity for doubt,” Saoirse smiled, “Clair borders the Kingsway, right upon the main roadways connecting the two lies three bridge crossings, greatest of which is Droichead Túir.”
“What of it Saoirse?” asked Deirfuar his face furrowed in focus, a military man he may be but a man for espionage he was not.
“So we instigate a skirmish, have men of the Royal Army demand payment to the new Lord Protector Brandubh, Harfrigh’s brutes will not stand for such brashness, whatever his title may be they take orders from Harfrigh and Harfrigh alone.”
Meahair rubbed his chiselled jaw, “A worthy ploy, however for it to work we’d need a sizeable portion of the Royal army to actually demand the payment, a hundred at least, Harfrigh will have the stone bridgehouse well garrisoned. Seeing as they’ll only do so under Brandubh’s orders or a high superior at Gorias it seems to be quite a large obstacle in the plan.”
“It would,” Saoirse conceded, “however out of all five here I would wager that we could muster enough influence to persuade certain Captains to rally their men for such a task. With Brandubh away he has left his underling the honourable Silas in charge at Gorias. A man he can trust to ensure things smoothly while he is away I’m sure. Yet one of Brandubh’s triumphs here can also be his weakness. He took control from Breogan precisely because he did not change that which did not need changing. Sure he removed the old King’s most trusted Generals but all he did was put his own followers at its head and left the rest of the army to its own devices. Thus they were neither willing nor prepared to counteract Brandubh when he made his move.”
Saoirse stopped a moment letting her words sink in, Lord Domhnaigh nodded grasping her train of thought, Maedhb continued to scowl but said nothing, a good sign. Lord Meahair continued to stare and Deirfuar looked on his brow lined with thought.
“They were not prepared to react but that does not mean they may not be moved into acting now. They stay with Brandubh because he gives them the greatest guarantees and independence. But perhaps it is time Brandubh learn that having power and being secure are two very different things.”
Deirfuar’s eyes opened wide, ‘I see, yes most of the Old Guard have been removed but there is yet some stout men remaining. Good honest men I may be well able to convince to our aims.”
“And of the new guard I have some say, youthful, ambitious and eager if I were to propose certain rewards then I am sure they would be willing, the men of the Guard are known for their love of gold.” Donnacha stated almost to himself.
“We all know some, a product of Breogan’s decision to supplement the Royal army from all of Aileann,” Maedhb smiled grimly, “a sore subject but one which now seems a valuable asset to us.”
Saoirse flicked back her loosely tied hair, “So we gather what Captains we can and have them ride out to the border under heavy pretense to remove Harfigh’s men. Such a lucrative source of capital will not be allowed handed over so easily. Indeed one ill-judged bolt may spark considerable trouble. In the chaos much and more could happen. Harfrigh’s rage and pride will be irked to our significant advantage.”
“It is a good start to the work we must now do,” Deirfuar clapped his hands energetically. “Then we have a plan. And a better one than I could have hoped for. I was right to have you here Saoirse Ni Chonaill, your father’s daughter indeed.”
Saoirse flushed but hid her delight at his words with a stony bob of her head. He didn’t seem to notice.
“So we are decided then. We each have our roles to play, and we must play them with razor precision lest it all be in vain and our own lives put at risk.”
“And more besides.” Lord Meahair mused.
Lord Deirfuar drew up his hood and brought his cloak tight about him, “Then let us be off, the sooner we are all back to where we should be the better, some are being watched more closer than others but we are all no doubt under some observance, from one side or another. I bid you farewell, remember we speak of tonight to no one, we only communicate by trusted messenger and we do not act until all is set in place. Now let us be off, for we have much yet to do.”
He bowed lightly and with that made his exit. Following his rather abrupt lead the others hastedly offered their own farewells and scattered out into the waiting shadows. As Saoirse made her way gingerly back down the hills descent she had plenty of time to reflect and contemplate.
A worthy night, and finally some hope to set things right. The Old Stoat had said it true… there was much yet to do.
Saoirse stumbled in the darkness and barely caught herself from falling as she clambered downwards to her tethered mare. She laughed, of all the dangers she now must face to meet her death at the hands of a hill would have been absurd. Those many dangers would now only increase after tonight’s events but she was glad, in peril she may be but finally she had some goal, some aim, somewhere to direct her attention and focus towards. A way out of the darkness.
Reaching the flatlands again she quickly mounted and set her mare to a gallop, ahead she saw the sun beginning its ascent, it was time for her to do likewise.