Waves in the Wind by Wade McMahan Read Free Book Online

gestured that my father could continue. I suspected that while the King might be gracious with his indulgence, my father would not share the same with the bishop. He strode forward to confront the priest.
    “Yesterday, Master Tóla, great Druid and wise advisor to us all that he is, sang for us the song of the Dagda. Within that song the source of the darkness was revealed, a natural occurrence within Mother Earth. Today you accuse us for causing it,” his hand swept ’round to include the Druids, “through your story of Pharaoh, a fable speaking of vengeance by the hand of your god.”
    The bishop’s neck grew red to match his robe as he blustered, “Fable, you say? Were you not listening when I told you the story of Moses is written in God’s Holy Book? No, you ignored me just as you ignored the Truth proclaimed by Saint Patrick!”
    “There is cause to ignore you for your intentions are as obvious as the flame of yon torch. Well I remember accounts of your priest called Patrick, and well I remember him being a man who sowed strife and turmoil among our people just as you would sow the same among those gathered here today.”
    Redness moved from the bishop’s neck to his face as his arms crossed over his chest. “Today I spoke God’s Truth. I promise you it would serve you well to hear me.”
    My father’s hard eyes held the man and he waited for a count of ten before his quiet voice responded. “I heard you, priest. Now you hear me. Little it is I know of your god and little it is I wish to know, for I remain true to my own gods, the all-powerful Lords of the Sidhe. For thousands of years they have seen to the needs of Eire’s people. Therefore, come not before me with your accusations and threats, for I care nothing for them.”
    “You think I speak idly, Druid? Continue then to defy Gods’ Will, continue to worship your demons and feel the full measure of His punishment!”
    The bishop turned and bowed to the King. “Your Highness, as you requested I have made my statement on behalf of the Ruler of the Universe, and see no point in arguing further with this…this man. In the end, by God’s grace and through His divine guidance, only your wisdom and your words matter and will lead us from this darkness.”
    * * *
    We stood beside our horses in a grove of trees. I was finally able to catch my father alone as we rested on our return journey to Dún Ailinne. “The bishop was intentionally rude and meant that his words would hang above us like an executioner’s axe.”
    My father’s weariness was voiced in his sigh. “Yes, he meant to intimidate us. I felt it was important to stand before him in the presence of King Máelgarb to make it known that his devices were not successful, that Druids do not cower before Christian priests or their god.”
    “Your words were well said, father.” A warrior stepped up and took my reins to lead my horse to water in a stream. When the man was out of earshot, I continued. “Thanks to you the Christians will think twice before challenging us.”
    “The Christians will not stop defying us. They have long sought a means to undermine our hold on Eire. This darkness has given them a perfect opportunity. Laying the blame for a tragedy at the feet of your adversaries is an old ploy. Still, it can be effective when the same thing is said time and again before those who reach out for something or someone to blame for their fears.”
    “Then we must refute their god-cursed lies.”
    “Lies?” my father chuckled. “Is it a lie when you believe what you say to be true? Make no mistake. The bishop believed his own words. Henceforth, Christian priests will fervently preach loud and long to all who will listen that it is we Druids who are at fault for the darkness. Mark my words; many will believe them and go over to their faith.”
    “Perhaps, but most people will stand by us and the Lordly Ones when they hear the truth revealed by the Dagda.”
    “Common sense says you are