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

Emerald Isle.
    But for Dughall, control over an island overrun with barbarians was not enough. He had his sights on something far greater. The next morning Dughall put his highest commander in charge of Tara, and he set off with his best army to the south and west to search for the Sacred Grove of Brighid. At nightfall, Dughall ordered camp and went to his tent to eat alone.
    As Dughall chewed his bread, he heard a slight rustling sound behind him. Within seconds, he was on his feet, turned around and had his sword pulled from its sheath. His men knew better than to enter his tent without permission.
    In the darkness, he saw a small figure appear. Was a child here in his encampment? Child or no, he would kill any intruder.
    But it wasn’t a child. What he saw before him was a small – pixie! He couldn’t believe his eyes. He had heard the Celt peasants talk of forest folk and faeries, but he didn’t believe in it. Dughall thought it was just the talk of imbecile pagans.
    Here it was though, standing no more than two feet high and extremely slight of build. Her ears came to a point, and her skin was as white and luminous as marble. Her wings were like dragonfly wings, shiny and iridescent, changing colors depending on the light and her mood. Her eyes were overly large for her small face and dark as coal with no color visible at all. The overall impression was frightening despite her diminutive stature.
    The sprite said nothing but bowed slightly. In a small voice, that he had to strain a bit to hear she said, “I am Macha, of the Dark Sídhe. I come to offer my assistance to the one who has slain the last High King of Tara.”
    Dughall was speechless. At last he said, “Why would you offer to help me? You are a faerie, and I seek to take over your country. Why help me in this plot?” he asked.
    “Dughall, there are many Sídhe in this fair land. Some are what the humans call ‘Fair Sídhe’. Others are ‘Dark Sídhe’, like me. Before humans came, we were in all corners of this isle. We of the Dark Sídhe have never forgiven the humans for taking our lands from us and driving us to the knolls, mounds, trees, and underground.”
    “Why do you think I would be different? I can tell you that I detest most humans, and I’m not inclined to enjoy the company of bestial creatures any better. Your high pitched voice is already grating me.” Dughall eyed his sword as he considered wielding it.
    “We believe that you will treat us differently because we have something that you need,” Macha steadily replied.
    Dughall stopped eyeing his sword for the moment. “Tell me why I shouldn’t swat you down right now.”
    “We know why you are here and that your task is not yet complete,” Macha said.
    Dughall raised his dark eyebrows. “What task is that?” he questioned.
    “You seek the golden ring, the torc of the Order of Brighid,” replied Macha.
    She had his complete attention. Dughall’s sword dropped to his side. “Continue.”
    “You seek the power that lies within the Grove. But there are potent spells and enchantments that protect the Grove. You may break through – you have men to spare. But there are also Fair Sídhe, allies to the Order. Their magic is formidable, and they are loyal to the High Priestess and the goddess. You will need our assistance even to find the Grove, and once there, you will need our help to get inside.”
    “Let’s assume that you are right – that I need you. What do you want in return?”
    “The Dark Sídhe will be your allies and protect you and your lands from your enemies. In exchange, we will be equal to the humans that live here and have our own lands.”
    Dughall thought for a moment and again eyed his sword. He didn’t know if he could trust this creature. Perhaps it had been sent by the High Priestess as a decoy.
    On the other hand, Macha confirmed what Cormac had told him. And if it was true, the force of his armies may not be enough to obtain the object of his