The King of Sleep by Caiseal Mor Read Free Book Online Page B

believe the judgment that was brought down on the pair of you was just. So I can’tbear a grudge against either you or your sister.”
    Sárán screwed his face up into a sneer of contempt. “You are blinded by your love for Aoife in the same way young Fearna was.”
    â€œThat was long ago,” Aoife protested. “I’m older and wiser. I have learned from my misdeeds.”
    â€œMy brother passed away a long time ago,” Mahon cut in. “I miss him and I mourn for him. But nothing will bring him back to me.”
    â€œYou must have hay between your ears to follow her around the way you do,” Sárán scoffed.
    â€œThen you’d have a barnful yourself,” Mahon replied. “How many times has she led you into trouble?”
    â€œHow dare you speak to me like that? I’m a member of the Druid Circle! And so is my sister. If you had any respect for our standing you’d dare not utter a sound in our presence. That’s the trouble with you warriors. You lack any real discipline in your lives. Anyone can learn to throw a blade about. But let’s hear you speak on tradition and tales of old.”
    â€œThe Druid Circle is a fine vocation for one who enjoys a life of the mind,” Aoife interrupted. “I’m not such a one. Endless chanting, learning songs I’ll never have the chance to sing before an appreciative audience. It drives me to despair. And what do I care for all those law-tracts from days gone by?”
    â€œYou are a gifted harper,” Sárán reminded her. “Would you abandon your talent for the way of the sword?”
    â€œA warrior is not forbidden to take up the harp fortheir own entertainment,” she pointed out. “And I don’t want to just sing songs about the valorous deeds of others. I want to live to hear songs sung about me.”
    â€œNo one has ever been permitted to leave the Druid Circle to take up the blade,” her brother told her flatly. “You are wasting your time wishing for such a thing.”
    â€œMany a seasoned fighter has left the Warrior Circle for the Draoi path,” she countered.
    â€œThat is a natural progression,” Sárán explained loftily. “It’s a sign of maturity and wisdom for a warrior to move into the Druid Circle and abandon the foolishness of fighting.”
    â€œLet’s go,” Mahon interceded, tired of their bickering. “It’ll be dark by the time we reach the caves. We can talk about this on the way.”
    Sárán turned to the Danaan and his eyes narrowed to slits. “Be silent!” he stormed. “You are not worthy of this discussion. You are neither a Druid nor of the Fir-Bolg blood. You will not interrupt the conversation of your betters.”
    â€œDon’t rebuke Mahon!” Aoife protested angrily. “He’s done nothing to offend you!”
    â€œHe’s the one who’s led you to this foolish behavior,” Sárán shot back. “If you hadn’t lost your silly heart to him you would not have fallen under his influence. I can see now your teacher has been too lenient with you. I will speak to Dalan when we return to the settlement. I’m sure he’ll willingly remedy that situation.”
    â€œDalan’s away in the east looking for some Draoi master,” Aoife jeered. “Why don’t you go off after him?”
    Sárán didn’t dignify this with a reply. He turned up his lip in a sneer then turned his back on his sister to climb over the wall.
    â€œBrother,” Lom called, touching his twin on the shoulder, “will you not wait and journey with us?”
    Sárán spun around and looked his twin coldly in the eye. “You should have been taking more care of her. She is not a child any longer who can roam the hills to her heart’s desire. It may be fine for you lads to spend your days playing at mock fights, but she is a Druid in