The Iron Cursed Page 26

  27

  To the Walls

  464 B.C.E. Cashel, Ireland

  Thunder crashed far overhead as Leugio settled down on his bed. He could hear the raindrops hitting the thatch roof and smell the thick earthy musk of the wet ground. In the hearth the fire continued to burn bravely, and the sight of the flames soothed him. Picking up the cruit next to his bed, Leugio plucked a few strings and began to play.

  The rain made him homesick. His house here was comfortable and well-supplied thanks to the king, but until he married Flaitheas, he lived alone. In truth he was almost certain that Eochu Finn would merely have him move into the king’s roundhouse. The thought of his coming marriage made his chest tighten. His mother had been thrilled but sad, as it meant he would likely never return to his home village. Keelia had liked Flaitheas a great deal and was far more than just accepting; even hinting that she might relocate.

  Another roll of thunder made Leugio groan and he looked up in time to see a flash of light through the smoke hole. The flames flickered as some water dripped down through the smoke hole and made strange shadows appear in his home. It was too much like the nights he’d spent snuggled up against Keelia and his mother while she told them stories. Sabe knew many of the old tales of mages, the Sídhe, and gods, but now Leugio had to wonder which ones might be true.

  It wasn’t a comforting thought. He again wondered about the Grand Mages and if Iúdás was right about it being better that they weren’t here. Teàrlach was still a mystery and one that Leugio couldn’t be certain would ever be solved. Would he have to defeat the Sídhe in combat? Would he be able to if it came to that? His eyes jumped to the iron sword at the foot of his bed. While he was improving, his skill was still limited. He was a shepherd.

  An odd flutter in his gut that spread up around his heart made him pause. Beneath his skin, there was a warmth spreading through his limbs. It took Leugio only a moment to realize that his magic was becoming stronger. The small flicker was growing. Standing up, he flexed his fingers and swallowed when white sparks jumped around his hand. There was a moment of stunned silence, but then he leapt into action. Leugio bent down to scoop up his sword and rushed outside.

  Instantly the curtains of water began to soak him through, but the intensity of the magic in the air kept him from turning around. His eyes searched the roads through the village frantically before he realized that he was alone, apart from the guards who were outside. The Sídhe weren’t inside yet. He yelled a warning but instead ran towards the walls. The torches lining the walls were struggling to stay lit, with roughly half of them already out. Cauldrons with fires set in them were scattered about but burning low as water gathered inside them.

  Leugio stopped just long enough to conjure a glowing orb which illuminated everything around him. He pushed a bit more magic into it and lifted it into the air. For a moment he kept his hand close, but the orb obediently floated above him just as he’d desired. The act of controlling his magic, even though it was a small thing, made him feel better. Another flash of lightning spurred him forward and he rushed to the wall. Guards were standing on high platforms a few feet apart, wrapped up in cloaks and shivering. One of the nearest guards looked down at him, and his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the magical floating orb.

  “What can you see?” Leugio called up. He strapped his sword firmly to his back.

  “Uh, oh!” the man stuttered. “Uh, nothing, sir!” the young man called down.

  Leugio grabbed the ladder and began to climb up onto the platform while the young man stuttered again. It quivered slightly at the additional weight but allowed him to see over the wooden wall. The wind howled around them and his companion on the platform shivered once more. The torch fixed to the side of the platform flickered and steam curled up into the air. Leugio doubted it would remain lit for long. Looking out into the blackness, Leugio grit his teeth and waited for something, anything to give him a clue.

  Hurling the glowing orb out into the rain, Leugio pushed a little more magic forward and wished for it to go further. The orb changed in a sputter of white and flew far further than he could have thrown it. Then the light poured over moving figures and Leugio willed it to stop. The orb froze in midair, illuminating the terrain below despite the onslaught of rain.

  Sídhe were marching towards them. A few were on horseback while others were on foot. There were three rows of pale skin, white hair and leather armor. Leugio’s eyes scanned over them, trying to count their numbers, but struggled to distinguish them in the low light. Down the wall, he heard shouting as the alarm was raised.

  Leugio stared at them. They were marching up the steep pathway that led up the high rocky base of the village. The steepness was slowing them down, but Leugio knew it wouldn’t stop them. Waving his hands, he formed more glowing orbs for light and threw them out into the darkness. At his silent command, they stopped and hung in the air, but Leugio had no time to be pleased.

  Some of the Sídhe were covering their eyes as others pulled hoods further over their faces. Leugio’s eyes widened and he conjured another light orb, which he threw out directly above the group. They spread out away from it and continued to advance towards the wall. Amongst the Sídhe, torches were being lit. Leugio’s chest tightened and he rushed back down the ladder. His right foot slipped on one of the rungs and he almost fell.

  “What are you doing?” the guard called down.

  “We can’t let them light the walls on fire!” Leugio shouted up.

  There were more shouts of alarm. The whole village was waking. Men were rushing towards the gate as orders were called down from the platforms. Leugio joined the ten armed men who were at the front as the doors opened. They poured out of the village towards the Sídhe, swinging iron weapons at the nearest ones. Scanning the ranks of the Sídhe, Leugio tried once more to count them, but there seemed to be dozens now. His orbs continued to hang in the air above them, illuminating the rocky terrain and puddles of water.

  Arrows were raining down from the wall, killing a few Sídhe here and there. Pulling on his magic, the ground beneath Leugio hummed in response. The spark in his lower chest flared to life and spread power all through his limbs. He took a risk and closed his eyes, trying to visualize more of the magic striking the Sídhe. Stopping them. The hum of the magic grew louder, sparks were hot against his hands and he pushed the light forward. Beams erupted from all of his fingers, shooting into the night and tearing through the first row of Sídhe.

  It seemed to trigger something. There was a roar both behind him from the men and one from the Sídhe before him. Everyone charged and began to fight. Above them, two orbs provided a steady light between flashes of lightning and crashes of thunder. Bringing up his hand, Leugio pushed the magic. It flared in his chest. There was a sharp jolt through his feet. The thick smell of earth from the rain intensified, filling his nose, throat, and chest. For a moment Leugio was almost dizzy, but then the magic released. A wave of white light exploded around him. Several Sídhe ducked down while others threw themselves out of the way. One of the riders fell off his brown horse, which turned and ran off the battlefield. There were cries of pain from the Sídhe. Some were staggering back, clutching at their faces in pain and others who he’d caught in the chests were dissolving.

  That didn’t end it. A man next to him fell to the ground, blood spilling out across the earth. Another a few feet away began to scream before his throat was brutally torn out. Chaos engulfed them, but a quick, worried glance confirmed that the gate was closed behind them and that the walls were still secure. Violet eyes glared at him and Leugio thrust his left hand forward to release a bolt of white magic. Then he swung the sword with his right, catching a Síd in the arm. His ears pounded with his own heartbeat and screaming.

  Long brown hair caught his eye and his chest tightened at the sight of Flaitheas swinging a sword to force a Síd away from a fallen warrior. On instinct, Leugio stepped towards her. A Síd grabbed his left arm and twisted. A hiss of pain es
caped him, coloring his mind red and purple. He pushed through it as long claws cut into his skin. His magic was wild; like an animal trying to burst forth, but not sure where to go. Swinging his left hand around, Leugio let the magic fly. Sparks shot off in different directions, but it was enough for the Síd to release its grip. The next bolt caught it in the chest, dissolving its body in moments.

  Another Síd charged him. Behind it was another figure on horseback riding into the fight. The Síd brought its sword up with a sharp cry. There was a clash of metal against metal and Leugio frantically tried to focus on calling more magic while defending himself. White sparks escaped from his fingertips, flashing off in different directions, but he couldn’t focus them. The horse was closer now and Leugio braced himself to jump. The Síd swung again. There was a shout, and the horse ran past as its rider kicked the Síd down instead of him.

  Leugio didn’t wait. The Síd was sprawled and dazed. He slammed the tip of his blade down through the its neck. The iron sliced through the flesh like a knife through warm fat and his stomach tightened. He glanced up towards the rider, who was dressed in a long heavy cloak and carried a smoldering torch. The rider was swinging a sword at another Síd that had gotten too close to Flaitheas.

  Panic. He raised a hand and grasped at the magic. A white bolt shot through the air and struck the Síd. A low cry escaped the creature, but it was already turning to dust. Leugio’s knees trembled. There was an ache in his chest; a strange and sharp burn that made it difficult to breathe. The hooded rider who had saved him was rushing towards him. The rider’s wet torch was barely giving off any light, even as the rain finally began to ease.

  The guards were swarming forth and the Sídhe were retreating down the hill. One of the men had grabbed the reins of a horse while two others pulled down the Síd rider. More of the Sídhe were falling back. One was tackled by Nyle, who shoved a dagger through its eye. Leugio pulled on the magic once more, letting it gather in his palm. Then he blasted it forward as a bolt to catch a Síd in the arm. It fell over, and with a shout Flaitheas put a sword through its skull.

  Finally, the last of the Síd had fled. Leugio panted and looked around. His orbs illuminated the landscape. Four human bodies were on the ground dead, and two more men were wounded. There were no Sídhe bodies, all them having dissolved, and only red blood was on the ground. Leugio’s legs quivered and he locked his knees to stay upright. Two horses had been captured and were already being led towards the gate. At the walls, there was cheering and some crying at the sight of the bodies.

  Then the stranger dismounted his horse and walked closer to Leugio. His hood was low enough that the light of the magical orbs still only revealed the lower half of his face. Tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, Leugio braced himself nervously. The man had used no magic, but he couldn’t help but wonder if this was a Grand Mage.

  The man pulled back the soaked hood to reveal a face a little older than his own. He had a square jawline, strong shoulders and a scar across one cheek that almost connected with his brown eyes. Leugio and the man both panted and stared at each other. Thankfully, the man made no move to harm him.

  “Hello,” Leugio greeted. His voice was somewhat lost on the wind. “Who are you?”

  “Conn!” he answered, almost shouting. “I’ve been tracking those Sídhe after they stole the horses of my king!”

  Leugio hesitated, but the others were coming closer. Flaitheas ran towards him, her brown hair clinging to her skin and her dress splattered with mud. He was certain that he didn’t look any better. At least Conn had a cloak on. The stranger lowered his head in deference and adjusted his grip on the sword. Nyle stepped forward and took the weapon without a fight from Conn.

  “Who are you?” Flaitheas had her dagger at the ready, and Leugio’s lips twitched into a smile. “Why are you here?”

  “Please forgive me,” Conn said. “I’ve been trying to catch this group of Sídhe off guard for several days.”

  “But they don’t go out during the day,” she said suspiciously.

  “Indeed: I’ve been riding at night by torchlight and sleeping during the day. They’ve been moving from mound to mound. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to deal with them on my own. It was a much larger group than my king originally believed.

  “I see,” Leugio said. “We’re grateful for the help.”

  “You’re a fair warrior,” Flaitheas observed with a glint in her eye.

  Conn smiled slightly at the remark. “I was rewarded for my service with some land and livestock. I was not willing to allow the Sídhe to just take it.” He turned and looked out into the darkness and then up at the light orbs. “I had heard rumors that there was a mage here, but to see magic with my own eyes… amazing.”

  Leugio waved a hand and one of the orbs vanished. Flaitheas smiled proudly when Conn’s eyes widened again. Then she turned and looked towards the fallen warriors. Her smile vanished and Leugio squeezed her hand gently.

  “Conn,” Flaitheas said. “I respect that you serve another king, but the Sídhe are becoming more and more active under one named Teàrlach, who seeks to conquer us all.” Conn’s eyes widened and Leugio looked at Flaitheas in surprise. “I am the daughter of Eochu Finn. I grant you safe slumber here tonight, and of course the horses that were recovered, but I wonder if you might consider staying and helping. We can send a messenger to your king and discuss an alliance.”

  There was something in Conn’s expression that Leugio didn’t like, but he wasn’t sure what it was. The other man studied him and then glanced up at the light orb once more. Around them, people had come out to tend to the dead as the last of the rain finally stopped. Then Conn nodded in agreement and smiled a little at Flaitheas.

  28

  Level of Frequency

  Lance wanted finals week to be over. He had one more exam and a paper to turn in and dearly wished it could just be over with. But no, Professor Hartman followed the official schedule. He didn’t care if his test wasn’t until Friday; he was going to follow the schedule. Jenny grabbed his hand and squeezed it as they sat down in Merlin’s living room. Across from them Avani was sitting next to Nicki on the sofa. The newcomer was in jeans and a hoodie with her long hair half braided on the right side with the left side in a simple ponytail.

  The living room was a little too small for the increasing number of people, so Merlin had brought in some folding chairs. Lance wondered why they weren’t at Morgana’s house. Her place was at least a bit larger. Merlin and Morgana were standing close together, almost shoulder to shoulder in some act of solidarity. Lance wasn’t sure what to make of it. Alex, on the other hand, was sitting on the sofa with a glass of water held loosely in her hand. In contrast to Merlin and Morgana, she seemed completely calm and unconcerned. He couldn’t figure it out. There were moments when she was normal and then moments that it just seemed like something had been switched off.

  “So what’s the plan?” Nicki asked. “When will we be heading to India?” Her excitement was clear and made them all smile. Avani’s eyes brightened at the question and she looked at Alex eagerly.

  “Soon,” Alex said. “The goal is to secure Ravenslake a bit more from the Sídhe. With the Chain broken, hopefully Arthur will keep his distance for a bit.” Alex straightened up and looked towards Avani. “Once that’s done we’ll head for Mumbai and meet with Shiva.”

  “So making more Gates?” Aiden raised an eyebrow and tapped his fingers on his knee. “Do you know where yet?”

  “Not yet,” Merlin said, clearing his throat. “We’ll work on determining locations while you finish the semester.”

  “Do you need us in the forge around classes?” Bran asked.

  “We have enough iron to make two Gates at least,” Merlin said. His eyes jumped over to Alex, but she just sipped her water and didn’t look at him. There was tension in her shoulders, but otherwise she still just seemed detached. “So that isn’t the problem. The issue is where to put another Gate. We usually don
’t put them in place before we find a tunnel.”

  “Well, maybe Alex can find the next weak point,” Bran suggested. “With her being able to sense through her magic maybe she could find a good location.”

  “That’s not a bad thought,” Alex replied. Her face brightened. “I might need some magical help from you guys, but it sounds doable.”

  “I suppose that could work,” Morgana agreed. She didn’t sound convinced, but she did sound curious. “You’d need to be careful though, Alex. We still don’t know much about that ability of yours.”

  “It’s clairvoyance,” Alex offered with a smile. Glancing over at Aiden and Nicki, she smiled and winked. “Inspired by their magic books.”

  Avani looked confused, but before she could say anything there was a popping sound outside. Jumping up, Lance pulled back the curtain and looked outside.The last rays of the sun were vanishing behind the mountains, but the purple sky overhead still provided enough light for him to see the small gray creatures running between their cars. Several tires were punctured already and his own truck was balanced on rims. Lance groaned as he caught sight of the bright red hats.