Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved
Copyright 2011 R.M. Putnam / M. W. Valadez©
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Warning:
This book contains adult subject matter and extreme violence.
Website: http://www.destinyswarriors.com
Contact authors: admin@destinyswarriors.com
Cover Art by: Michael William Valadez©
Available in Paperback (paperback edition contains illustrations)
From the Author:
Pure Evil Volume 3 in the Destiny’s Warriors Series is a long time in coming. I began working on the first book “Destiny’s Warriors Special Science Fiction Edition” 18 years ago- published in 2007. Later, I revised it to “Destiny’s Warriors The Beginning” followed by the second book in the Series “The Last Sacrifice”. A project that has me completely immersed in creating a fantasy world, of which, the characters and places push me to complete a series of 10 books.
Enjoying many different genres, my goal is to allow each book to stand on its own yet, keep the story a continuing saga. I cross genres with each book, Destiny’s Warriors The Beginning, a fantasy, romance, adventure and The Last Sacrifice, a fantasy adventure with bit of horror. Now, book 3 “Pure Evil" is a fantasy adventure that crosses into Horror of an intense nature. Book 4 "The Black Shadow of Death", will take readers into a new direction as the saga continues.
Mythology, folklore and history are a passion of mine thereby my driving force. I create new worlds, a different outlook on ancient gods and in fact create a few fictional gods. You will see that my characters, their troubles and accomplishments can relate to our past, present and future.
Coming in 2012 –
Destiny’s Warriors The Black Shadow of Death (Book 4 in the Series)
Acknowledgements:
Stories are not an invention of pure imagination but created by a life of experience, interacting with people, and generally learning by trial and error in the way of life. That said; the list of those who inspired me to create my Destiny’s Warriors Series is too long to list here. I thank everyone who touched my life in both a positive and negative way for you all made me the person that I am today.
I want to thank my parents though unintentionally, they gave me a vivid imagination. May they rest in peace.
Primarily I want to thank my boys John and Michael for always being supportive of my literary endeavors. In addition, I want to thank my wonderful husband Randy, who took my hand and gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams. He stood by me with encouragement and such a positive outlook on life. R and R forever.
I also, want to thank my college professors who opened this door for me. They gave me the incentive to write by suggesting that I pursue getting my tale published.
This wild adventure into fantasy would not be what it is without Michael W. Valadez. He worked diligently on the illustrations, character building, description of warfare and weapons, in addition to helping with research, culture and mythology. Thank you Michael, it is so much fun to collaborate with you.
A special thanks goes to Nicole Valadez, for her devotion to proof reading.
Dedication:
I dedicate this book to my family: Randy my charming husband, my sons, John and Michael, my daughter-in-law Nicole and my granddaughter B’Elanna.
Chapter 1
Escape!
Lugh squatted down in the cold dark cell and looked around at all the other prisoners. The men were filthy, with overgrown hair and beards, most were crude criminals, rapists, murderers and thieves. The smell of urine and feces was nauseating as Lugh longed for a breath of fresh air. A large pile of straw in the middle of the cell was what the men used to relieve themselves and it was obvious that it had been many days since fresh straw replaced the old straw.
Garrett sat next to Lugh and whispered, “We don’t belong here . . . we must plan an escape. Lugh, I warned you not to let Elsa go back to see her mother. We were safe, the note she left would have been enough to calm her mother’s worries.”
Lugh nodded realizing Garrett was right. “I know, I know, it was a mistake to go back but it’s too late now, what’s done is done. We must escape!”
Fagen and the others in Lugh’s group gathered closer to speak in private. Suddenly, a large man approached gesturing with his hand for Lugh to stand up. Lugh rolled his eyes, not wanting any more trouble. Two more men approached spoiling for a fight.
The large man grunted, “They call me MacFie, but you can call me Master. I want your boots and that fancy coat you wear. Then, I think I will have you for my bitch. Such fire red curls and green eyes are quite appealing to me.”
Lugh looked down at the simple coat he wore and thought for a moment as he glanced at Garrett. Standing up, Lugh stood nearly as tall as MacFie giving him a threatening glare. “You cannot have my coat or my boots and as to the other . . . I’ll call you DOG and have you lick my boots for your supper. I warn you, leave me in peace.”
The guards gathered from a distance laughing in anticipation of watching Lugh get beat and humiliated. Garrett and the others stood up, concerned for Lugh’s safety as well as their own. Lugh was a powerful warrior and even survived the war against the flesh-eating Baalites of Altair. He could give as good as he got.
MacFie shoved Lugh as he said, “You think you can best me? Well come on then, try it.”
“I don’t want to hurt you. I have enough trouble already. Back off, go in peace,” warned Lugh for a second time.
Infuriated, with his statement, MacFie went for the attack. Lugh skillfully, ducked and punched MacFie in the belly and then to the jaw. Within a blink of an eye, MacFie lay unconscious.
Lugh, looked around, “Anyone else want to fight? Go for it then . . . but I warn you to back off . . . or you will get the same. Leave me and my companions in peace!”
The prisoners and guards retreated; leaving MacFie sprawled on the floor.
“You pack a mighty punch friend and know how to get a man’s respect,” said Garrett.
“Except the respect of the man I need most, Elsa’s father. Garrett, do you suppose Elsa is all right? Her father was in a rage when he found us together. I wish Elsa had not told him that she is with child. I’ll kill him if he hurts her,” vowed Lugh in worry.
“Don’t worry Lugh. Elsa is of a noble family. Her father will most likely send her off to the countryside where they probably have a home for holiday. There, they will take care of her and deliver the baby. After some time, her family will tell a tale of how she married and her husband was killed in a duel, or some such thing to save her reputation,” explained Fagen.
“No, I am not going to just forget about her. I love her, and I mean to take her to my home where she will give me many sons. I’ll escape and find her,” vowed Lugh.
Agreeing, Garrett replied, “Fagen is right. Elsa is safe. Your concern is getting out of here before it is too late. You realize they could sentence you to death.”
Lugh shook his head, “No, they won’t execute me . . . you and I have plans after all, remember the pack we made? Garrett, we will get out of here. Then, we’ll get Elsa and I’ll take you to my home as I promised.”
The next day, four burly men entered the large cell. They went up to Lugh and the man who carried chains and shackles said, “You are coming with us. We want to ask you some questions. Don’t resist or we will kill your companions.”
Lugh looked over his shoulder at Garrett and noticed that they were also putting him along with their companions in shackles.
Garrett sternly said, “Don’t make a fuss Lugh. Give them the answers they want to know and then you and I will discuss the future.”
Lugh nodded and put his arms out awaiting the shackles. They escorted him to a small cell where they pulled and fastened his chains to the wall. Then, as he began to resist fearing the worst, they pulled his wrists up by chains high over his head making it impossible for him to move.
“They call me Abboid. I think you know my purpose.”
Lugh took notice of the whip that Abboid held. Whereupon Abboid continued, “You defiled a young noble woman, you disobeyed her father and molested her . . . impregnated her and disgraced her. I am here to begin your punishment. Then, you will go to the chopping block for execution.”
Before Lugh could react, the whip came down across his back with a mighty wallop. Lugh was severely beat, whipped and left hanging from his wrists as he slipped into unconsciousness. That night, a guard entered and released him from the shackles. Lugh dropped to the floor with a thud, his body beat, bruised and the pain from the lashes across his back burned to the point of madness. He tried to stand; stumbling and taking notice his clothes were bloody and tattered. He called out to Garrett, Fagen and his other companions but only the guard shouted back for him to be silent. Lugh sat in a corner wondering how he would get out of this mess.
All the while, Garrett watched his men, one by one given twenty lashes leaving their backs raw. Then a guard pulled Garrett to his feet, but his men protested offering to take his twenty lashes and spare him the torture. The guard laughed and disregarded their pleas as he strung up and whipped Garrett without mercy. Poor Garrett and his men had done nothing wrong. They were simply Lugh’s traveling companions and now as they stood beat and bloody, Abboid entered and gave them their sentence without benefit of court.
At dawn, Lugh ached from the fierce beating he received. His stomach growled from hunger; it had been days since he last ate. Lugh sighed deeply; he should have returned home long ago. He wondered what happened to his companions and hoped they were all right. Then, he worried about Elsa; her father said she disgraced his family name. Lugh stood-up and examined the cell. Somehow he had to escape and save his companions and find Elsa. He loved her deeply and his only desire was to take her back home to the Underworld.
Feeling somewhat ill Lugh huddled in the corner for warmth and fell asleep. A guard suddenly splashed a bucket of cold water on Lugh to wake him. Elsa’s father stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Lugh struggled to his feet, he was stiff and his body ached, but he still stood up and held his head with pride.
Lord Albion Fitzgibbons growled, “You married my daughter after I forbade you! I told you I promised her to another. I had her groomed since she was a child to marry the prince…how dare you take her against my will. The only way I could save face was to offer her to the prince as a slave. However, when he found out she is married and with child he wanted nothing to do with her . . . his anger is great. He took half my lands that have taken generations to earn. Therefore, at dawn you will face execution, which is little satisfaction for me. Elsa, is now in the hands of the slavers, hopefully she’ll fetch a good price to compensate some of my losses!”
Shocked to hear Elsa was in the hands of slavers, Lugh tried to reason with Lord Albion. “Please sir, you have nothing to gain now by killing me or selling Elsa. If you let us go, I will take her far away to another place, in fact, another realm. Our grave error will not tarnish your family name.”
Lord Fitzgibbons narrowed his eyes, “You must be mad. There are no other realms. Or, maybe you speak of Hell and are in league with the devil!”
Lugh sighed in bewilderment, “I know of no devil! You . . .”
Lord Fitzgibbons thundered, “You are obviously an evil man and I see the eyes of the devil in you. No normal human can have such unearthly green eyes as yours. You will die at dawn and go back to the pits of hell where you belong!”
Lord Albion Fitzgibbons turned and stormed out of the cell.
Lugh looked at the wooden bucket and quickly picked it up and swung it at the guard and split his head open. He then took the guard’s tunic and put it on. He needed a weapon and thought it strange that the guard had no weapon. Lugh slowly walked out of the cell and looked from side to side. He saw another bucket of water and wet his hair then tied it back. He walked down the corridor and saw two guards.
Lugh causally walk passed the guards, posing as a guard but one of them bellowed, “You are no guard!”
Lugh grabbed a torch from the wall as the two guards withdrew their swords. A fight ensued. Lugh used the torch to disarm the guards. Then, he took the fallen guard’s sword and killed the other guard with it. Lugh fought off the remaining guard, feeling lightheaded and weak from hunger. Suddenly, a prisoner appeared and swung an ax into the remaining guard's back.
Lugh turned and looked upon a large man that stood dirty and in rags. After a moment to catch his breath, Lugh offered his hand, “Thank you, friend. What is your name?”
The prisoner replied, “My name is Magnor. My sentence is also an unjust one of death.”
Lugh nodded as he looked around finding it strange that no more guards were about, “I owe you my life. Come, we will escape but first I need . . .”
Magnor interrupted, “I heard you speak of another realm, is it true? Are there other realms?”
“Of course there are other realms; I was born in the Underworld. My father is the ruler there. I assure you there is no devil and my home is not an evil place . . . that is only Christian lies to scare the people into submission,” explained Lugh.
Relieved to hear this news, Magnor asked, “What is your father’s name?”
Before Lugh could reply, a group of guards entered. Magnor and Lugh attacked and fought them off to win their freedom. It was a fierce battle but suddenly Lugh went deaf as blackness consumed him . . .
Magnor fought off the guards with his bare hands, breaking necks and spines. He looked around to be sure no one else was about. He walked over to Lugh who lay sprawled on the floor.
Looking upon the wound on Lugh’s head, Magnor said with a tone of worry, “You cannot die . . . not yet. You must take me to the Underworld.”
No response came from Lugh though he was still breathing. Positioning Lugh’s body, Magnor lifted him over his shoulders then stepped out taking notice that no one was about so he ran. He ran for his life with Lugh’s body across his shoulders.
Chapter 2
Return to the Underworld
Rain pounded the soil with a mighty force. Lugh’s head ached as he took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and had trouble focusing for a few moments.
Magnor handed him a piece of meat, “You must eat something. I was afraid you were dying; you have been unconscious for nearly two days.”
Lugh sat up feeling stiff as his head pounded from the pain. He surveyed his surroundings and saw a small trickle of water running down the wall of the cave. Standing up only increased the pain he felt but he had to drink some water. He cupped his hands to catch the crisp soothing water then drank it down. After a few drinks, Lugh splashed his face feeling rather ill. “The water tastes so good. I will take that meat now. I feel starved nearly to death.”
Magnor handed him a good size of meat. Lugh ate the succulent rabbit wholeheartedly.
After sitting by the fire for warmth, Lugh asked, “Where are we?”
Magnor shrugged his shoulders, “I’m not sure but we are out of danger.”
Confused, Lugh asked, “How did we get here?”
Magnor sat and took another piece of meat, “Once I got out of the prison, I ran until I found this cave.”
“But what about me . . . how did I get here,” asked Lugh?
Magnor finished chewing, and then replied, “I carried you on my shoulders.”
Lugh’s jaw dropped in disbelief, “You carried me on your shoulders…for how long?”
Magnor shrugged his shoulders, “I ran the day we escaped and through the night. I found this cave, late this morning. No one appeared to be following us so I thought we could rest here.”
Lugh just stared at him in disbelief, and then offered his hand, “Thank you, friend . . . I don’t know how I can ever repay you for such a deed.”
With a serious tone of determination, Magnor confessed, “My reasons are selfish. I saved you so you could take me to the Underworld.”
Lugh gobbled down the delicious meat, and then looked at Magnor curiously. “Why do you want to go to the Underworld?”
“I am in search of my father. I heard he went to the Underworld when the English first took rule over the Fianna,” explained Magnor.
Surprised, Lugh asked, “What is your father’s name?”
“My mother told me his name was Bran, and he was Chieftain of the Fianna. She told me he left for the Underworld before she could tell him she was expecting me. My mother said he went to join the Great Finn MacCumhal (McCool),” explained Magnor.
Lugh wiped his mouth with his arm, “Your mother was right. I knew Bran well, like family. I trained under him in the Fianna. He continued the Fianna in the Underworld.”
Magnor anxiously asked, “Do you know the Great Finn MacCumhal?”
“I am Lugh MacCumhal and he is my father,” replied Lugh.
Stunned, Magnor nearly gasped, “Sir, would you please take me to my father?”
With a sigh, Lugh replied, “I am sorry, friend. Bran died in battle sometime ago.”
Magnor hung his head in disappointment then pulled out a note from his pocket and handed it to Lugh. Lugh unfolded it and read:
My Dearest Magnor
You must find your father. His name is Bran; he was Chieftain of the Fianna before the English took rule. They told me he went to the Underworld. I know it might be impossible to find entrance into the Underworld but you must try. If by chance, you make it and he is dead then find Finn MacCumhal. You will find a better life there than you can ever have here.
Good Luck, your loving mother
Blair
Magnor continued to explain, “My mother gave me that note when I was twelve. She died of illness, poor and nearly crippled; I have been on my own since then. I have spent all my life trying to get into the Underworld. When all else failed, I tried consulting with a witch for help and that is why they arrested me. They tortured me, and then sentenced me to death for consulting with the devil. I swear to you that neither the witch nor I consulted with the devil. The witch was a good woman who just wanted to help me. They burned her alive . . . she didn’t even believe in the devil.”
Lugh offered his hand, as he looked at all the wounds on Magnor’s body, thinking he was lucky they did not torture him to death. “Of course I will take you to my home. First, I must find my wife. Her father sold her to the slavers for auction. I simply cannot leave without my wife or my seven companions that are within the jail. I must find them. They will be counting on me to free them. My friend Garrett, wanted me to take him to the Underworld, he has such high hopes to open a business there.”
Magnor nodded, “I found a spring near here. After the rain stops, we can wash to refresh ourselves. We’ll go back at night to find your wife and companions.”
Deeply concerned about Magnor’s wounds Lugh said, “Let me help you with your wounds . . . were you whipped?”
As he removed his tattered tunic, Magnor sighed, “Yes, my back stings. They used a flail or something like it to beat me, but not to worry about the bruising. I would appreciate it if you would tend to the wounds on my back.”
Needing bandages, Lugh looked at his clothes then ripped his tattered sleeves off to make bandages. He then removed his crane bag from his belt to make an ointment.
Curious, Magnor asked, “Are you a druid . . . how is it you have such remedies?”
Lugh explained, “I am no druid . . . I trained all my life to be a warrior. Both my father and my brother taught me how to tend to wounds. Although, the crane bag I carry is typical for a druid to have, I only know how to make ointment to prevent infection.”
*****
Elsa stood on her toes and tried to look through the small window to see if Lugh was coming for her. She heard that he escaped and Elsa knew he would never leave her. Suddenly, there was a clatter of noise at the cell door. Elsa turned and hung her head when she saw her father.
Lord Albion Fitzgibbons furrowed his brow as he coldly stated, “I have sold you to a noble woman from England. You will be leaving immediately. You will never understand to what extent you have disappointed me. I had you groomed to be a princess and now you will be a housemaid . . . a slave! Do not look at me like that . . . I did sacrifice a good deal of coin to prevent you from going to the whoremaster. You should be grateful. Well, as I see it, you are dead to me, girl. Your name will never be spoken in my house again!”
Lord Fitzgibbons left the cell without another word as the maids entered with bath water and a change of clothes for Elsa. She could not stop crying, she was frantic and Lugh still did not come to her rescue.
A guard entered with a woman who explained, “Come girl, my lady awaits you. We are leaving for London. I am sorry but your father says you are to wear irons to prevent your escape.”
They escorted Elsa outside to a wagon as tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked from side to side in hopes of seeing Lugh but he was nowhere in sight.
*****
Late into the night, Lugh and Magnor crept into the slave market. They looked through the small windows of the slave quarters.
Lugh whispered, “Elsa, Elsa, where are you?”
A woman went up to the window, “They took her to England early this morning. Are you Lugh?”
Lugh told her he was, and then the woman explained, “Her father sold her to a noble English woman to be her housemaid. Elsa was frantic; she told me you would be coming for her.”
Lugh was disappointed at having missed her and did not know what to do.
The woman asked with a tone of desperation, “Please sir, free me. I am old and any work they sell me to will surely kill me. I have relations that will take me in . . . please free me.”
Magnor told Lugh to stand back. He pulled on the bars that were in the small window with all his might. Lugh watched him pull the bars loose then remove them. He remembered how powerful Bran was, there was no doubt that Magnor was indeed Bran’s son. Lugh helped the woman out of the small window and wished her luck. She told Lugh that his companions were most likely not in the jail but in the men’s slave quarters. Lugh and Magnor then went in search of his companions. He called out to his friends but only Fagen answered. Lugh asked him where they were holding the others.
“They are all dead, only I remain,” said Fagen.
Feeling rather shaken, Lugh asked, “Maybe they are still in the jail? Why are you among the slaves?”
“We can’t talk now; we must get as far away from here as we can. Don’t worry yourself about freeing Garrett and the others . . . it is too late for them,” whispered Fagen with a sense of urgency.
Magnor pulled on the bars and freed Fagen.
The three men ran out of the village and into the highlands, where Lugh said, “I must go after Elsa.”
Fagen shook his head, “We cannot go to London for her without more help.”
Surprised and curious, Lugh asked, “How do you know they took her to London?”
Slightly stunned, Fagen calmly replied, “All the prisoners spoke of how Lord Albion Fitzgibbons sold his only daughter into slavery for disgracing his family. It is quite the scandal; everyone spoke about the noble woman who purchased her. Lugh, I have been to London, we cannot just go in the state we are in and take her. We need help. Let us go to your home for help. You can get your father to help you.”
Lugh looked at himself; he was filthy, his clothes torn and his beard overgrown. He looked at Fagen and Magnor who were in the same state. It was obvious that their appearance would draw too much attention and only get them in more trouble.
With a wrinkle brow of worry, Lugh agreed, “All right, let’s rest and we’ll set out for the Underworld at first light. It will take us about ten days to get there. Fagen, are you sure that they killed Garrett and his men?”
Fagen nodded, “I saw them executed for resisting the guards. I must admit to my shame for acting like a coward and simply submitting to save my life.”
Feeling a great sense of loss by the news, Lugh sighed, “If you resisted and died, it would have served no purpose . . . no need to feel shame, my friend. I am to blame for their death. Garrett told me not to let Elsa go see her mother and just to leave as quickly as possible. I was a fool and now my friends are dead and my wife is a slave.”
*****
In the Underworld, Finn stood in the tower and looked out into the distance. He was extremely concerned for his son; six long years had passed since Lugh left home.
Finn’s younger son Tristen joined him and asked, “Father, are you thinking about Lugh?”
“Lugh has been gone for so long and lately I have this anxious feeling. I fear he is in trouble,” replied Finn.
“Well, we can’t know where his travels have taken him. Let’s get Aunt Erin and look to the runes maybe we can at least find out if Lugh is all right,” suggested Tristen.
Tristen was Chief Druid and his Aunt Erin a druidess. The three of them gathered in the lower chapel of the castle and did their magic. Finn made a small cut on his hand and dripped his blood onto the altar. Then, Tristen added his mysterious potions and powders. With a knife, Erin scratched a series of lines into the magical mix as Tristen chanted, “do da may no, do day man no . . . ney ba doe ray. . .”
Tristen then tossed the runes and studied them. “He is married and his wife is with child,” stated Erin.
Tristen tossed his runes down again and studied the reading before stating, “There is much turmoil and as I suspected Lugh is in trouble. Look father, he is on his way home. Do you see the dark shadow that follows him?”
Deeply concerned, Finn said, “Yes, I see the dark shadow that follows him. What do you suppose it means?”
Tristen shook his head, “I don’t know what it means. Lugh is coming home . . . for help.”
After the reading, Erin, Tristen and Finn entered the great hall where all the other family members waited.
Megan asked with concern, “Did you find out anything about Lugh?”
Megan always felt as if Lugh was more of a brother than a cousin having grown-up together.
Finn explained of their findings and Cormac replied, “Well, at least he is on his way home and about time too.”
Ahmed entered the room with his son Jamil. He walked up to Megan and kissed her hand. “You look so lovely this evening, my love.”
Cormac smiled as he watched his son-in-law kiss Megan’s hand. Ahmed brought a great deal of happiness to Megan. She was with child again and her belly was full and rounded out showing her time was near. She sat with her daughter Kalila and Cormac thought they were a beautiful family.
Erin approached Cormac with their infant daughter Raven and asked, “Cormac, could you please get Brent and Erick for dinner? They have been running around the castle all day and now I can’t find them.”
Cormac kissed his wife’s forehead and the forehead of his infant daughter then went in search of his two sons.
Brena sat with her children Morna and Liam. Kian walked in with Logan and Colin carrying armloads of firewood. Brena smiled at her sons. Colin now stood almost as tall as his father and showed early growth of a beard. Logan dumped the wood into the fireplace and dusted himself off. Then he walked over and kissed his mother on the cheek.
Tristen’s wife, Lavena entered with their sons Malcolm and Ronan and announced dinner was ready. As everyone stood up, Finn looked at his family; they were an incredible comfort to him. It felt good to have so many children in the house and to see everyone so much in love. He wrinkled his brow when he thought of Lugh and the trouble that followed him, but he was relieved that Lugh would be home shortly and with his wife.
*****
Lugh, Magnor and Fagen traveled avoiding the main road. Lugh felt desperate for Elsa, he hoped they were not treating her badly. Magnor was anxious to reach the Underworld; finally, he would find a real home and plant roots. Fagen was concerned about going into the Underworld, he heard tales about the frightening creatures that dwelled there.
They traveled for a few days then stopped for a day and chopped wood for a farmer in exchange for a hot meal. The traveling was taking its toll. Nevertheless, they pushed on, stopping to work for food now and then. When they reached the shoreline, they worked for four days chopping wood and doing repairs until they earned enough coin to pay for passage to Ireland.
When they reach the shore of Ireland, the air was fresh and the island a lush green. Lugh smiled to see his homeland. His worry was great for his beloved Elsa but the feel of home was overwhelming as his feet touched the shore. Lugh led the way through the shoreline up the rocky land then up to the highlands as a downpour of rain soaked them. Although Fagen complained about the rain and cold, the terrain was a welcome blessing to Lugh as they trudge through the pathway then held up a night in an abandoned mound.
“I am nearly home . . . home, the word sounds so inviting. If Elsa were with us, I would never go back to the world of mortal man. I have elfin blood in me you know. All my clansmen have mixed with the elves since before the time of the Great Samhain. I belong in the Underworld. I have had my fill of travel,” said Lugh.
At dawn, they resumed their journey, hungry, tired and anxious. When the glow of sunset was upon them, they finally arrived in the village of Erui. “We only have a half day to go,” said Lugh with a sigh of relief.
They stopped at a tavern and got a job cleaning out stables in exchange for food, drinks and a warm place to sleep for the night. Then at dawn, Lugh, Magnor and Fagen continued their journey to the Underworld and Castle Samhain.
Deep in the forbidden part of the forest, just outside the entrance to the Underworld, Lugh explained, “You will see many strange creatures, but you have nothing to fear, no one will harm us. The snow will slow us down but we’ll reach my home before nightfall.”
*****
Ahmed and Finn were chopping wood when Tristen approached, “Father, Lugh has entered the Underworld and he is with two companions. The dark shadow still follows him.”
“Should we ride out and find him,” asked Finn?
Tristen shook his head, “No, they will be here anytime now. But I am very concerned because Lugh is beside himself with worry.”
“Is his wife with him? Maybe she is ill,” said Ahmed.
“No, his companions are both male,” returned Tristen.
Finn told Tristen, “Tell Cook there will be three more for dinner and tell Elidor that he should prepare three hot baths. Have him put up cauldrons in the bedchamber fireplaces to insure the water stays warm.”
Finn and Ahmed continued to chop wood. Kian and Cormac gathered the firewood, stocked all the rooms and started fires in the fireplaces.
All the while, the women and children waited in the great hall as the men entered and started a clatter of conversation.
*****
Lugh, Magnor and Fagen trudged through the light snow that crunched under their boots. The cold wind bit fiercely. The Underworld was a majestic land locked in eternal winter. The road to Castle Samhain wound its way through dark forests and windswept paths. In the distance, snowcapped mountain-peaks were dark and foreboding. The land was unnaturally silent giving off the feeling that hidden eyes watched trespassers waiting to see if they were friend or foe.
“Are we almost there? I’m freezing to death,” complained Fagen?
Pointing out, Lugh said, “Look there, at the top of the hill.”
Fagen and Magnor squinted and saw a large structure in the distance. “That is my home.”
Magnor walked on through the forest, looking at the dark and twisted trees that seemed to reach out at him.
Startled, Fagen pointed out, “Look there!”
Looking up to the sky, which was turning darker, they saw strange creatures fly off in the distance. Fagen feared for his life wondering if he would make it out of this evil place alive. As the three men walked on, they encountered two Grimlocks. The Grimlocks stood nearly seven feet tall with arms powerful enough to crush a man in a single blow. Their faces were primitive almost ape-like and their hair fell in a mass of braids cascading over their shoulders. Strapped to the Grimlocks backs were mighty war clubs and on their hips, they carried massive knives.
Fagen started to withdraw his crude hunting knife but Lugh protested, “Put that weapon away the Grimlocks are my friends.”
The two Grimlocks looked at Lugh curiously. “Is it you, Lugh? What happened to you? You look as though you’ve been through a troll’s whorehouse,” laughed the Grimlock wholeheartedly.
Lugh shook their hands then introduced his two companions. Fagan feared looking in their eyes; it was like looking into the eye of an angry boar. Their skin was a ghostly white and their black eyes were a frightening contrast.
“I can’t talk now, friends. I am desperate for home. We’ll share a drink another time at the tavern,” said Lugh.
As the three men continued their journey, Magnor said in astonishment, “I heard of Grimlocks. I thought they were only myth, how strange that despite their monstrous look they were so friendly.”
“They can be friendly enough but you never want to make one angry,” chuckled Lugh remembering how he witnessed drunken angry Grimlocks in brawls.
Finally, when Lugh reached the familiar stables, Tristen ran out, “Lugh, is it you?”
Lugh was a sight, his clothes in tatters, his beard and hair were filthy and in tangles. “It’s me, little brother.”
The two brothers embraced then Tristen said, “I was waiting for you. Come, there is bath water waiting for you and your companions.”
Surprised, Magnor asked, “But how did you know we were coming?”
Lugh replied with a feeling of pride, “My brother is a druid. He saw us in his magic; nothing can be hidden from him.”
Fagen looked at Tristen with concern as he shook his hand. Tristen shook Fagen’s hand and looked curiously at him understanding that this stranger was most likely overwhelmed with his new environment. Thereby, Tristen paid no mind to the uneasy feeling he got from Fagen.
“Come; let me take you to your rooms. Lugh, you look frightful,” said Tristen as he led the way.
When they entered the castle, Lugh was embarrassed at his appearance when he looked upon his father.
Shocked, as he looked upon his son, Finn asked, “Lugh what happened to you? You look a sight . . . are you all right?”
Lugh nodded, “Please father, I want to bathe before anyone sees me. I’ll explain later.”
Finn relieved to have his son home embraced him, “Who are your companions?”
Lugh introduced Magnor and Fagen, who both stood in awe at meeting the Great Finn MacCumhal. Then, Tristen escorted them to their rooms.
Finn went to the dining room and happily told everyone that Lugh was finally home.
Megan anxiously asked, “Well, where is he?”
Finn explained that Lugh was tired from his journey and wanted sometime to wash and rest.
*****
Lugh felt relieved to be back in his room and soaking in a hot relaxing tub.
Tristen entered with a tray and set it on a small table next to the tub. “Lugh, drink this and have something to eat.”
Lugh drank the bitter herb tea and asked as he wrinkled his nose, “What is this poison you have given me?”
“It is better for you than it tastes. You look as if you need to build some strength,” returned Tristen with a chuckle.
Lugh hungrily ate the food as Tristen warned, “Lugh, slow down or you’ll choke. You eat as if you are starving.”
“I am starving, little brother. But you are right there is no need to be crude about it,” said Lugh.
“Lugh, what happened to you, it looks as if you were badly beat and a whip taken to your back. Here, let me put some salve on the wounds. I hope you have had your fill of adventure and are home to stay now,” scoffed Tristen with a tone of worry as he tended to Lugh’s dry crusted wounds.
Ahmed and Kian entered and greeted Lugh while he still soaked in the tub. Tristen helped cut Lugh’s beard and trimmed his hair. Then, he set a razor on the table with soap for Lugh to shave.
Kian asked, “It looks as if you have had a hard time, Lugh. Tell us about your travels and what about your wife, why isn’t she with you?”
Lugh raised an eyebrow at his brother, “You know more about me than I do. Yes, I do have a wife. Her name is Elsa and . . .”
At that moment, Finn and Cormac entered. “Yes, tell us about your wife. Why didn’t you bring her?” asked Finn.
Lugh sighed in bewilderment, “I don’t even know where to begin.”
Finn took the razor and started shaving Lugh, causing him to be silent. Kian went and got a jug of mead and handed a drink to everyone. Lugh dried off and dressed, looking somewhat restored. He spoke of realms he had visited and all the strange things and people he encountered.
“I was headed for home about a year and a half ago. Then, my companions and I decided to explore Scotland. Father, out of all places I had seen and trouble I encountered from time to time, nothing was as bad as mortal man. They have strange superstitious beliefs, but I must admit, all praise the Legend of Finn MacCumhal.”
Clapping his hands on his thighs Cormac laughed, “I remember how easily mortals take to believing fanciful tales.”
There was a knock at the door and Ahmed let Magnor and Fagen into the room. They seemed so different clean-shaven and dressed in fine clothes. Magnor looked at the fine fabrics he wore amazed at their quality and the detail of the design, never before had he worn such wealthy attire. True he felt somewhat uncomfortable for the clothing was a bit small and the trousers short, nonetheless, he felt like a king.
Lugh introduced Magnor and Fagen to everyone then said, “Magnor, give the letter to my father.”
Magnor handed the letter to Finn and after he read it, he asked, “When did Blair die?”
“She died years ago, when I was a boy of twelve. I have been trying since then to find a way into the Underworld. I cannot believe what luck I had running into Lugh,” explained Magnor.
Lugh rolled his eyes, “I would not call it luck. Magnor helped me escape from prison, torture and an execution.”
Shocked, Finn gasped, “Execution!”
Lugh nodded, “I will tell you all about it but first, what about Magnor?”
Finn turned to Magnor, “Bran was my closest friend. It is too bad that he did not get to know he had a son. You see Bran died in battle, but as far as I am concerned, you are family and this is your home. Your mother did right to send you to us. You belong here.”
Magnor gave Finn a mighty bear hug as Finn laughed, “You are your father’s son.”
Kian curiously asked, “Lugh, aren’t you going to tell us about your wife?”
All the men sat and listened with interest as Lugh explained the entire sordid mess. He explained how he met Elsa and fell in love with her. And, how he tried to ask for her hand but her father, Lord Albion Fitzgibbons refused, saying he had promised her to the Prince of Scotland.
“But father, we love each other and Elsa didn’t even know the prince. Talk was that he was a man of a very mature age to boot, widowed twice with grown sons my age. Elsa and I started seeing each other in secret. After a time . . . well . . . she realized she was with child. I decided to run off and marry her then, bring her home with me. However, Elsa wanted to tell her mother before we left so as not to worry her. She believed her mother would understand. I am not sure what happened but a group of soldiers arrived where I was waiting for her. They took my companions and me to prison and they sold Elsa into slavery. They sentenced me to execution but thanks to Magnor, I escaped. Father, they knocked me unconscious during my escape and Magnor, all alone fought off the guards and ran with me on his shoulders all that day and through that night.”
Everyone turned and looked at Magnor in surprise and admiration. Lugh was a large man, making it incredible that Magnor could endure such a feat.
Finn offered his hand, “I cannot thank you enough for your courageous deed, Magnor. Your father would have surely been proud of you.”
Lugh continued, “Father, I have come home for help. I must get Elsa back. I simply cannot live without her. She is everything to me.”
“They sold her as a slave . . . do you know where they took her,” asked Cormac?
“They took her to England. Word was they sold her to a noblewoman from Lowanidonjon or as it is called by most people these days, London.”
Remembering London, Ahmed said, “I know England very well. My father sent me on a few occasions to England as an ambassador. He admired the strength of the English military and thought it would be good to have them as allies.”
Cormac added, “I fought against the English along with Kian when we were in the Fianna of Ireland. Kian can verify that the English are a very strong force. Right now, our army is too small.”
“That wouldn’t be the answer anyway. I know the king maybe I can negotiate to buy Elsa. And if it cannot be done, then it should not be too hard for a small band of us to rescue one woman from the clutches of her Master,” said Ahmed.
“We could go dressed in your native clothes and tell them we are your royal council,” suggested Kian.
Ahmed nodded, “I believe it could work. Although, I only have a few outfits of my native clothing.”
“I’ll hire a few seamstresses to copy the clothing,” said Finn
“Ahmed, how long will it take to get to England,” asked Cormac.
Ahmed thought for a moment on the matter before replying, “We need to hire a ship to Scotland, and then travel to England. I think we could arrive in London within fifteen days depending on the weather. I have never traveled by that route so I can only guess.”
Finn added, “We need at least five days to prepare.”
Deeply concerned for Elsa’s well being, Lugh sighed, “That long, I hope they are not treating Elsa badly.”
“Don’t worry son. We’ll get Elsa home,” said Finn as he patted Lugh on the back to reassure him all would be well.
Cormac stood up and told everyone to let Lugh get some sleep. All the men stood and went to their own rooms.
As they walked down the corridor, Ahmed tugged on Cormac’s sleeve, “What about Megan? She is due to deliver soon. What if she becomes overwhelmed with the bloodlust, while I am gone? I don’t think Tristen can handle her on his own.”
Cormac rubbed the back of his neck, “I’ll go ask my brother to come and stay with the women. He can use his powers to render her unconscious without harming her.” Ahmed nodded and said good night.
Magnor lay upon the enormous bed liking the feel of clean bed linens. He could not believe the grandeur of the room they gave him. It seemed incredible to him that he actually met the Great Finn MacCumhal and even Lord Cormac. He admired how all of Lugh’s relatives pulled together to help him without hesitation or thought to themselves. Magnor smiled to himself to think he was now part of this family who lived like kings. His mother came to mind, wishing she could be with him as he thought, Mother, I wish you could be here with me. It is too bad you could never get word to father that I was born . . . I know he would have come for us and brought us to this place of splendor.
Tristen explained to his wife about his brother’s situation.
“Are you going with them to England,” asked Lavena?
“Yes, I think I should go with them. My brother's wife is with child and it is a long journey, she may need assistance,” returned Tristen.
Lavena smiled, “Then go and please be careful. You realize that we have never been apart for more than a day or two since we first got married. I will miss you a great deal.”
Tristen took her into his arms and said in a heavy lustful voice, “Let me give you reason to think of me, while I’m away, my love.”
Lavena looked at Tristen lustfully as she felt swept away by love and desire.
Chapter 3
Castle Samhain
At the morning meal, Lugh entered the dining hall with Magnor and Fagen. He looked around at everyone in surprise. His family had grown since he left home. Tristen entered with Lavena and introduced her to Lugh.
Lugh was happy for his brother. “You are a lucky man, Tristen. Lavena is lovely and I understand you are also a druidess, dear sister-in-law?”
“Yes I am a Druidess. I have heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lugh,” replied Lavena.
Lugh smiled as he looked around at everyone. “It’s wonderful to see so many children. I have been gone too long.”
Colin and Logan walked in and Lugh looked at them with his mouth open in disbelief.
Colin offered his hand. However, Lugh embraced him, “Colin, you are all grown up and Logan . . .” Lugh happily embraced Logan.
Lugh looked over at Megan and took notice of the boy who stood next to her. He just stared at Duncan from head to toe remembering his first wife Nola for a moment. Duncan was nearly ten years old now. Lugh embraced the boy, “I missed you, Duncan. You look so grown up. As soon as possible, you and I will sit and have a long talk. We can catch up on all that I have missed in your life.”
Duncan smiled, happy to see Lugh back and liking how he addressed him. Duncan turned to Megan with delight, remembering how she told him that Lugh loved him a great deal. Duncan understood that he was not really Lugh’s son but his stepson and he was grateful that Megan took him as her ward and loved him as if he were her son. Megan had only recently explained to him about his mother who abandoned him and no one knew anything about his father. Nevertheless, Duncan did not care about his biological parents, all that mattered was that Megan was his foster-mother and the Great Lugh MacCumhal was his stepfather.
Lugh took Megan’s hand, “You look radiant, little sister. I missed you so much.”
Megan happily said, “I missed you as well, Lugh. Let me introduce you to my son Jamil and my daughter Kalila.”
Looking at the beautiful children Lugh said, “I am so happy for you, Megan. You have a beautiful family.”
Cormac then said, “Lugh, these are my sons, Brent and Erick and this little beauty is my precious daughter Raven. Meet my wife, Erin.”
Lugh properly bowed at the waist and kissed Erin’s hand. He felt an ache in his heart, regretting that he stayed away from home for so long. He said aloud mostly to himself, “I wish Elsa were here. It’s so good to be home.”
*****
However, Elsa was afraid she would never see Lugh again. She was very far away and thought it was possible Lugh could be dead. Elsa began crying with great heaves of despair. She was in pain from the lacerations on her back; her mistress whipped her for breaking a teacup. Elsa put her hand over her belly and thinking her child was going be born into slavery. The housekeeper came in and tried to comfort her before putting salve on Elsa’s back.
“Is there no way you can get word to your man? My dear, you simply are no good at being a servant. It’s obvious that your breeding is above such work.”
Elsa looked at the friendly housekeeper with tears in her eyes, as she struggled to speak through her sobbing, “I do not know what has become of my husband, he could be dead. My father wanted him executed! The last I heard Lugh escape. If he is looking for me how will he ever find me here in London?”
*****
Meanwhile, Ahmed and Cormac rode out to the Otherworld to speak with Beltene. They immediately explained about Lugh’s situation and of their journey to England.
Deeply concerned, Ahmed rubbed the furrow on his brow as he explained, “Beltene, I am worried about Megan. She is dangerous if she should see blood or just get the urge to . . .”
Surprised, Beltene interrupted, “Is she still plagued by the bloodlust? I thought by now she would have learned to deal with it like you did.”
Ahmed shook his head, “She seems fine but if she should see so much as a drop of human blood, it makes her go out of her mind. There are times late at night when she simply gets the urge for blood. Then, murder and wanting to feed on human blood and flesh consumes her.”
“Would she harm her own children,” curiously asked Beltene.
“There is no fear of her harming our children. However, the household staff would be in danger or she might venture out on a hunt for prey... human prey. I do fear that she might actually turn on kin because we have denied her blood for so long. The Baalites made it taboo to feed on kin that is why there were so many blood-hunts. My Megan is a Baalite but her circumstances have forced us to deny her, her urges, thereby I cannot know what to expect of her.”
Beltene cupped his chin in thought, “What if she sees her own blood?”
Ahmed rolled his eyes, “I have never seen anything like it before. Her fear is incredible should she see her own blood. She becomes hysterical.”
Cormac added, “My beautiful Megan has very deep emotional scares brother, and the family and community need to be protected from her.”
Understanding the importance of the situation, Beltene replied, “I will take charge and keep Megan under control. When do you leave for England?” Cormac told him in four days.
Nodding, Beltene replied, “Then, I will go back to the Underworld with you now.”
*****
All the while, a group of elf seamstresses immediately began preparing suitable clothing for the men.
Curious, Fagen asked, “Lugh, if Ahmed can negotiate to purchase Elsa where will you get the gold?”
“Well, how much do we need to purchase her,” asked Finn?
Lugh shrugged his shoulders, “We would need to offer enough so that they will not refuse. I have no idea what a slave costs.”
Finn led the way through a secret passageway in the enormous castle to the treasury whereupon; they entered the room filled with chests of all sizes.
Finn opened the chest nearest him. “Well, how much should we take?”
Fagen's mouth fell open as he looked upon the large chest filled with gold. “Are all these chests filled with gold?”
Lugh casually replied, “No, some have silver, others have jewels, family heirlooms and such things that are considered of value.”
“I think we will take this chest over here. It is easier to carry and it should be more than enough,” suggested Finn.
Fagen and Lugh picked up the heavy chest and carried it out to the great hall.
Magnor approached, “What is this?” Fagen opened the chest to show him.
Magnor looked wide-eyed, “In all my life, I have never seen so much wealth.”
Lugh shrugged his shoulders not seeing any importance on the gold. “It is only gold and it will help me get Elsa back.”
With a friendly pat on Lugh’s back Magnor stated, “If it does not buy her back, I will gladly give my life to help you bring her to this fine home.”
Lugh shook Magnor’s hand with gratitude but Fagen just looked at the chest of gold.
*****
After a few days, all was prepared. Out at the stables, Beltene stood with the women as they watched Kian and Lugh hitch the wagon and pack it. Megan placed a basket of provisions in the wagon then, Brena and Erin put in bedrolls.
Megan slipped into her husband’s arms. “Be careful Ahmed I have heard such terrible stories about the world of mortal man.”
Ahmed kissed Megan and looked into her enchanting eyes, as he whispered, “We have never been separated. Megan, I need you to be strong; you know what I mean.”
“I will be strong; I’ll take the sleeping potion at night like you said. But Ahmed, I’m afraid, it doesn’t work like it use too,” whispered Megan in reply.
Deeply concerned, Ahmed looked over his shoulder at Beltene then said to Megan. “Beltene is here to see that you remain in control. My love, he will chain you up at night and most likely sleep at your door. I am sorry that you have the bloodlust.”
Cormac was back in his bedchamber with Erin. “Remember what I told you, no one should be alone with Megan and be sure Beltene is present. See to it that Megan takes the sleeping potion at night and make it strong in addition, be sure she is chained to her bed.”