Emily's House (The Akasha Chronicles) by Natalie Wright Read Free Book Online

linen tunic and had a purple cape fastened about her shoulders with a large jeweled brooch. Her hair was tightly plaited and woven with small jewels. When they saw Saorla standing straight and solemn, bedecked in her best ritual finery, they fell quiet and took their seats. After a long silence, Saorla spoke.
    “My sisters, you know that significant change is upon us. Since the beginning of the Order many moons ago, armies have come to our fair land to take what is not theirs. Our people have fought off these invaders time and again.” Saorla paused and then sat in her chair.
    “Many of you have had visions and know that this time, it is different.”
    Saorla looked out and saw many of the priestesses nodding their heads. Their look of worry and fear meant that they too had seen the foretelling of the end of their world.
    “Our High King is dead, and as I speak to you, there is an army advancing on this very Grove,” Saorla said as several priestesses let out an audible gasp.
    The priestess Coventina said, “But we are protected here. The spells and enchantments. And there’s Lianhan Sídhe and Madame Wong.”
    “True, Coventina, we have some protection. But as we speak, a dark one comes to our Grove. He intends to gain use of the magic of Brighid for his own evil purpose. And he is being helped by a traitor of the High King, by one of our former brothers and by at least one of the Dark Sídhe.”
    The women whispered in disbelief. Saorla continued.
    “We haven’t much time my sisters so listen well to my words. We are the last of our kind and all that stands between this dark force and the Sacred Well. All that you have trained for – all of the skills of war, spells and incantations – all of your craft – you will need it now.” Saorla paused and breathed deeply. She knew she had to inspire them and help them past their fear.
    “Each of you has a singular gift, something that you do better than anyone else. Use your gift in service to your sisters, in service to fair Tara, and in service to the Goddess herself.” Saorla could see the priestesses sitting a little taller, their fear dissipated, replaced by pride and determination.
    “Within one more rotation, you will fight the greatest battle this Grove has ever seen. You will fight for your life and for the soul of Ireland. These men, they have never seen women warriors before. They will underestimate you. Use that to your advantage.
    “I will hold council now with the Fair Sídhe, our allies, to request their aid in our time of need. The elder Priestesses and Madame Wong have instructions from me for your preparations and battle strategy. Do exactly as they ask of you.”
    Saorla looked out on the faces of the Priestesses of the Order of Brighid and knew that this may be the last time she would see many of them. As she glanced down at the younglings in the first row, she felt a tear come to her eye. Was she doing the right thing? Shouldn’t she be by their side and fight with them? The thought of any of the blood of her sisters being shed. . .
    She took a deep breath and suppressed her tears. She knew what she had to do. This was not a time to question the deep knowing within.
    “My sisters, I love you all. Remember, you are the embodiment of the Goddess herself. Let the Goddess flow through you. May your sword be true, your shield strong, your breath steady and may the Light of the Goddess be with you always.” With that, she put her hands in prayer position by her heart and bowed to her sisters. They bowed to her as well as she walked forward to bestow on each the blessing of the Moon. After she had blessed the last priestess, she walked out of the Great Hall for the last time, her purple cloak billowing behind her.

8. The Dark One Comes
    Hours after Cormac betrayed the most sacred secrets of Ireland, Dughall ordered his men to assassinate Ruaidrí, the last High King of Ireland. Dughall’s official mission was complete. He had control of the