THE MORRIGAN CHRONICLES

NEIL

We walked endlessly through this damned land. Emrys led, Cian and Morrigan next to one another, and me bringing up the rear. I could feel the apprehension pressing into me. There was no wind. The stagnant air not only held no life, it felt like it was drawing life from me.

Morrigan refused to even glance my way. It pained me to have her so cold towards me. The moment I laid eyes on her when she returned I knew I had made a mistake with Riley. Hell, I knew the first time I slept with Riley it was a mistake. Riley looked at me as if I was strong and wise. Not just a man, but a King and a hero. I always felt inferior to Morrigan. She was the one that was strong and wise. I could never be her equal, much less someone she could look up to or look to for help or guidance. I succumbed to my ego with Riley. I cared for her but what drew me to her was the way she made me feel about myself if, I was being honest.

Emrys kept his eyes trained on the horizon and said, “I see the castle.

About another five hours and we’ll be there.”

I shaded my eyes and squinted. “I don’t see anything.”

Emrys’ voice was neutral for a change. “You wouldn’t. You’re human.”

How my life had changed. I walked as a King of Erin with the leader of the Teulu of the Tuatha who was a queen, the most powerful of the Fomoire and Emrys, Merlin himself. I was the inferior of them all and I knew it. I kept trying to prove myself worthy of my birthright. A descendent of King Arthur. I had felt myself get stronger and more skilled in my trainings over the past year. I easily bested every Knight. But I couldn’t compete with the supernatural. I was only needed to get the sword of the Tuatha back. I would never have their respect. I would never have Morrigan’s respect.

Seeing Morrigan fight beside Cian demoralized me even more. I was cheered and revered by my Knights for having led them into vampire nests and taking out dozens of them at a time. Morrigan took out hundreds effortlessly. She fought next to Cian in perfect synchronization. They were mesmerizing to watch. They were powerful, deadly and beautiful all at once.

I felt like a fool. All the times in training I ‘bested’ her. She let me win as a parent lets a child win.

Cian walked next to Morrigan and they discussed strategy for when we met the Godless. They spoke to one another as respected equals, even if neither of them trusted the other. Cian occasionally glanced back at me, giving his smug smile. He was an arrogant asshole.

Morrigan looked back at me and for a moment held my eyes. I missed her. The hardness in them returned but for a split second it was as it had been before she had left.

Emrys pulled me away from my thoughts as he said, “Cian what do you know of the Godless? Can they be reasoned with?”

Cian’s voice even sounded like powerful crashing waves. “Well, if history holds true, this is a fool’s errand and we’ll all die and be eaten today.”

I cringed at his steadiness and lack of fear. “But having the stone to enter the land and presenting the Cup of Plenty will garner us an audience with their King. I fear that we are going in blind as to whether they’re reasonable or not. I’m hoping they will be intrigued by us wanting to save our realm from the Gods and be willing to help us out.” “Great, our plan is based on your hope,” I scoffed.

Cian stopped and turned to me. “Hope is all we have right now. The entire realm, everyone we love, is counting on us and all is lost if we don’t succeed. I have faith the Creator will present a solution once we arrive.”

He turned away and walked on, as did the others. They seemed to be okay with hoping for a miracle. I would’ve much rather had a plan. We walked in silence as the castle of the Godless came into view.