THE MORRIGAN CHRONICLES

THE NEXT THREE months were busy. We had devised teams of Tuatha to go through the Great Oak into various cities around the world and identify as many vampire and werewolf nests as we could. We’d report back to Emrys and he’d click away on his laptop, detailing every piece of information. When he wasn’t doing that, he was busy training the Druid descendants in using their magic beyond healing. They would need to learn to defend themselves in the coming war.

I would go out with my team: Daur, Aiden, Miranda, Jillian, and Donnell for three days at a time on surveillance. Aiden took on the role of reporting back to Emrys. I did like having Aiden on my team for that reason if no other. He’d loosened up a bit and seemed less offended by Daur’s ‘charms.’ The rest of the week I’d spend with Brian, watching over the training of the Knights and Neil. I always looked forward to returning— spending time with Neil was the highlight of my week. He hadn’t gone to his room in months and it held nothing of his anymore.

I walked into the training arena after having returned and stood next to Brian. We both had our eyes on the group of six that were about to be attacked in a simulation by twelve Tuatha. I snuck a glance at Brian. He was stoic as ever. I couldn’t help but smile as I spoke. “You’re advancing them quite rapidly don’t you think?”

Brian risked a smile, he didn’t do that often so when he did, it especially delighted me. “Just watch.”

Neil was in the group of six. They were perfectly synchronized in their defense as the dozen Tuatha attacked. The King’s orders of keeping our strengths and skills a secret still held, so the Tuatha fought at a matching level against the Knights.

Brian cleared his throat as we continued watching. “Neil has truly become a leader. Their King. Watch how he will shift from defending to attacking and the others follow.”

I nodded, and as Brian predicted, Neil began a beautiful attack. He was strong, stronger than most humans. His execution of each swing of the sword was precise and graceful. His face never contorted in anger or showed any signs of fatigue, but rather intense duty, focusing his energy at the task at hand.

Brian continued, “The rules are, once struck with the wooden sword you are considered fallen and are ‘out.’”

Neil continued slicing through the Tuatha. He hit one of the Tuatha on the shoulder as he leapt on top of him, only to jump further towards the onslaught and took out two more swiftly.

I recognized the move as one of Brian’s signature attacks. He nodded approvingly. This must be what Neil was so excited about having learned.

The Knights and Neil defeated the Tuatha in the mock battle. I raised my eyebrow to Brian. He only shrugged. “Occasionally they must win. It is best to continue to bolster their confidence.” I nodded, this time in agreement.

He said, “The Druids are going to begin training with us soon as well. Emrys is working on teaching them to slow down vampires so that the humans might actually have a chance at fighting them. He’s also working on a few other spells they may be able to handle. They’ll need to be incorporated into our fighting, and not just as healers.”

“Sounds logical,” I agreed, though not completely sure that was the best plan.

“Well done, Knights.” Brian shouted in his gruff, gravelly voice. “That’s enough for today. You’ve earned the rest of the day off. Go enjoy yourselves, but be ready tomorrow morning.”

The Knights were jubilant at having won. The Tuatha were congratulating them and they intermingled, verbally replaying every move. It warmed me to see them together.

Neil saw me and approached. He looked amazing. Sweat lightly glossed his tanned body. His muscles got larger and more defined every time I returned, it seemed. His caramel eyes sparkled with the remaining excitement of battle. He was now in his element. I couldn’t help but think of how different this man, this King, was from the one I met not that long ago. “How’s the love of my life?” he said, grabbing my waist, lifting me up to kiss him.

“Very fortunate to not have been fighting vampires as skilled as you and your men.” I couldn’t help tease.

He laughed, shaking his head. “We aren’t quite at that level yet, but we will be.” He was completely confident. No doubt or arrogance in his voice. It was said only as a fact.

He continued, “Well it would seem I have the rest of the day off.” His eyes never left mine and the twinkle from battle turned into a flame that only I knew.

“Whatever will we do with ourselves?” I asked with a slow smile.

“It’s summer, and we haven’t gone swimming in the lake yet. How about we have a picnic and head there?” he asked with eagerness in his eyes.

Memories washed over me from so many years ago of leisurely spending time near a lake. Enjoying the warmth that came with summer. It sounded perfect.

The day went too fast. We were able to be alone at the lake for about an hour when everyone else had the same idea. That was fine. My belly and face hurt from laughing at hearing the stories of how their training was going. Once the sun began to sink low in the sky we built a bonfire and brought the cauldron out to continue the festive evening. I hadn’t gotten to know many of the humans so it was delightful to see them hang on every word Neil spoke. Many of the Tuatha joined in as well. I tried to savor the moment. To hold onto it. Humans, Druids and Tuatha all gathered here, laughing. Daur was surprisingly a huge hit, and one of the Druid girls was practically draping herself over him. I was slightly solemn at knowing this would come to an end. That many would lose their lives in the coming war.

I pushed the thought from my head but it kept creeping back.