The sword of light, p.1
The Sword of Light, page 1
What readers say about book I The Sword of light
A sweet world of magic, family, and love.
***** Reviewed in the United States
I truly enjoyed the story of Avery. The story of her finding her true self and all the magical creatures that will forever be part of her life. I loved all the magical creatures that came to live and fight with Avery and her friends to bring the light back into a dark world.
Rheeah
I enjoyed this novel
**** Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I do not normally write reviews but felt I should in this instance. Why? Well, this book which is the first in a long time that took me back to the novels of my younger years. It is, to me, a book that adults and children will both enjoy. Full of interesting characters, a few of whom you will want to have further adventures with. But most importantly and simply, the fact is I just really enjoyed the read.
Stephen McSporran
Mythical Scotland
***** Reviewed in Germany
I myself do not know the fantasy genre, but I bought this book as a gift on recommendation, and it was a great success. The recipient was absolutely enthusiastic-both by the imaginative and entertaining story, as well as by the lively writing style and the ability of the author to take the reader to a mythical medieval Scotland on the first pages. This shows once again that you should give even less known writers a chance.
Gaby
It's well worth the read.
**** Reviewed in the UK
The story really gets you indulged in another realm of reality. As someone who reads a lot, I must admit that I don't regularly come across writing as descriptive as this very often.
I felt very content long before I even finished it. It's well worth the read.
All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, without the prior permission in writing by the author, nor otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Acknowledgement
Before we begin our adventure, I would like to thank my dear friend and fellow author Lesley Cordell for making this journey with me. For sharing the passion for everything Scotland and the world of legends and mystery. For taking time out to read all drafted chapters and her detailed comments and observations.
Contents
IN THE REALM OF THE SEELIE FAE
RUADHRI’S LAIR
WILLIAM RETURNS
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
ADELAIDE’S DREAM
DUNCAN’S BETRAYAL
THE DUNGEONS
TROUBLING NEWS
THE CAVE
OBAN
THE INFERNO
THE REUNION
THE MIGHTY CAILLEACH
THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA
KERRERA ISLAND
THE CU SITH
DUNSTAFFNAGE
SELKIES SKINSGE CASTLE
THE ULTIMATUM
THE PLAN
THE ISLE OG MULL
STAFFA ISLAND
IMPENDING DOOM
A NEW ALLEGIANCE
THE INAUGURATION
Appendix 1
1 Scottish Expression
2 Celtic Mythology
3 Main Characters
Dear readers,
Thank you for accompanying me on yet another quest through medieval Scotland, or Alba as it was called then. We’ll enter a world of magic, climb Alba’s tallest Bens, and roam through forests and glens. We’ll meet many nature spirits and the Seelie Fae. Fight alongside the mighty Elven warrior Asanopirh, Sorcha, and Avery’s truelove and guardian Darion. Battle the Boobrie, Red Caps and murderous gangs.
But before we begin, let‘s meet the story's lead characters, Avery, Ursula, Hugh, and his twin brother Glen.
Avery is a feisty young lass with auburn hair and dark brown eyes. For seventeen years, she lived a happy and protected life with her Da William and her Grandmother Maighread at Mackenzie’s Inn near the Village of Dalmally. Avery loves spending time with Ursula, Hugh, and Glen or accompanies Adelaide, the old weaver, on walks through the forest.
Ursula is the daughter of farmer John and his wife, Annette. She is a spirited young lass with ginger curls and the brightest blue eyes you can imagine. She is headstrong and does not mince words when called for.
Hugh and Glen are the twin sons of Balthair the miller and his wife, Madge. Both are exceedingly strong from working at the mill and don’t shy away from adventure.
Adelaide, the wise old weaver, lives near the Eredine forest and weaves the most beautiful cloth, which is said to have magical powers.
But let me not give away too much. Let’s begin our adventure and meet the Elves, Dryads, Ashray, and many more Spirits of the Seelie Fae.
J
ulia sat on Kilchurn Castle's grassy ramparts and enjoyed the warmth of the rising sun.
A fresh breeze drifted across the Loch from the newly cut barley fields spreading the sweet smell of Meadowsweet, Purple Sage, and Chamomile. It could have been a beautiful morning if there weren't the terrible memories that returned as Julia watched Kenneth and Liam plant five young apple trees along the shore of Loch Awe. The trees were a memorial for the five brave Ashray warriors Douglas MacNab and his men slain on the eve of Beltane. The trees brought back things Julia longed to forget. The terrible events at the Guildhall and in the streets of Dallmally. The dread and hatred she felt for the man she once loved. Julia drew a deep breath and tried to shake these memories. But she could still feel Douglas MacNab's crushing weight on her chest when he pressed her to the floor. See his deadly stare and the glint of the knife in his hand, ready to cut her throat. The vivid images and fear made her shiver and sent tears to her eyes.
‘What is the matter Mo Chridhe? Why are you crying?’ Clyde MacDougal whispered as he stepped closer and gently kissed her copper-red hair.
‘The memory of Beltane and the thought that Lord MacNab and my son are still out there somewhere ready to strike again, ‘Julia replied with a trembling voice.
‘Please, Mo Lennan, don't call him Lord. He is nothing more than a murderous beast. And not even that, a beast still has a heart in its chest. All his chest holds is darkness. Don't fret. These two will not get the chance to cause harm to anyone as long as the clans stick together, and we have the help of the Seelie Fae.’
‘I hope you are right, Clyde. I pray to Lady Cailleach every night, thanking her for bringing you into my life and asking her to keep us all safe,’ Julia sighed, pulled his head closer and kissed him.
‘My Lord, Lady Julia, please forgive the intrusion,’ Rhona apologised as she approached. ‘But the Clan chiefs and village elders are here to present their offerings for the Lammas celebration and to congratulate you on your engagement.’
‘Aye, very well. Thank you, Rhona, tell them we are on our way, ‘Lord MacDougall replied with a smile, offered Julia his arm and let her back into the Castle.
The Great hall was an incredible sight. The grey flagstones had been covered with layers of wheat, barley, oats, and rye. Garlands made of meadowsweet, mint, and Calendula hung from the rafters, and enormous bundles of sunflowers flanked the dais at the head of the room.
‘Oh, my goodness. Rhona, who did all this?’ Julia asked in awe. ‘This is wonderful. I could not have dreamt of a more beautiful setting.’
‘I am so glad you like it, Lady Julia. We did it with the help of the village people and farmers. You deserve only the best.’ Rhona replied, wiping away tears of happiness with her apron.
‘Thank you. You have made me so happy.’
‘Well, my Lady, you must get changed. The chiefs, village elders, and guild members wait in the Bailey. If we don't hurry, they will be stone drunk by the time we start the ceremony,’ Rhona giggled.
‘Aye, Rhona is right, Mo Lennan. Let us get on with it. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms as Lady Julia MacDougall,’ Clyde announced, ushering Rhona and Julia out of the Great Hall.
The Clan's farmers had come to present their first harvest renew their contracts, and witness today's handfasting ceremony, were stunned at the sight of Lady Julia. She wore a white gown embroidered with a ray of summer flowers and a crown made from ferns and white woodland blossoms.
‘Clyde MacDougal, descendant of King Somerled, Lord of Argyll and the Isles of Mull, Lismore, Jura, Tiree, and Coll. Would you please take the hands of Lady Julia Campbell, daughter of Lord Gordon MacArthur, Lady of Glen Orchy and stand before me.’ ordered the Druidess and bowed to the couple.
‘You called on me to fasten your hands on this day, unite your destiny and bind the love you found for all eternity,’ the Druidess continued
‘Aye,’ Clyde and Julia answered in one voice.
‘Do you declare within this circle your intent to be hand-fasted before your family and friends and to keep the vows you make today?’
‘Aye, we so do,’ Clyde and Julia declared, looking at the assembly of their friends and family.
‘Please let us hear your promises for one another before we continue.’
Clyde had to clear his throat before he wa
‘I promise to you, Julia, that my heart, love and protection is yours from now on until the end of days.’
‘Julia, let us hear your promises, ‘the Druidess said, smiling and nodding at Julia.
‘I vow to you, Clyde, that my love for you will be as pure as a mountain stream and as warm and bright as the midday sun’s golden light.
Just as Julia had made her promise to Clyde, Adelaide stepped forward and addressed the Druidess.
‘I wove a band for Clyde and Julia from strands of silk as strong and fair as their love for one another. May the red bestow them with love, strength, health, and passion. May the Blue grant them safe journeys, luck, and longevity. And may the white forever keep truth, peace, serenity and devotion throughout their life until eternity.’ Adelaide declared with a smile as she handed the band to the Druidess.
‘This bind is formed not only by this band but by your vows and promises which you have made to each other today. It is all of our hope that this bond stays forever tied.’
‘May your hands be joined through joy and prosperity
‘Hold each other firm in storms, darkness or sorrow from heron till the end of days
‘May these hands create a life filled with gratitude, tender love and care to bring forth the very best in both of you.
Chapter 1 The Realm of the Fae
M
any months had passed since Avery and Darion arrived in Lady Murigen's Island Kingdom. Countless stories had been told about the times when the Seelie Fae and the kings of old had been friends. Avery enjoyed listening to her mother telling tales from when there was nothing but love and respect between the world of man and magic. But recently, Avery began to miss her friends, the forest, glens, and most of all, the change of the seasons. It must be cold now, and the forest would have changed its colours. Avery thought as the approaching night turned the blue sky into an ocean of darkness and the Loch's water into a blackened mirror reflecting the glittering stars above. The waning moon's silver sickle hung above the island like a hunter's bow as a reminder that light remains even in the darkest of nights.
Avery enjoyed the night's silence and the balm breeze that drifted across the water, ruffled her hair, and kissed her face. The boat's bobbing slowed her mind and took her back to the events gone by. She saw herself in the carriage leaving the Inn, and the night she saw Darion for the first time in a cloud of whirling snow. She relived her first adventure with Darion, Asanopirh and Sorcha when they freed William and Maigreadh from Kilchurn Castle. Recalled the surprise they all felt when Julia revealed that William and not Duane was the rightful Lord of Glen Orchy. Dreamt of rivers, forests, and glens. She could still recall the sun's brilliant rays filtering through the trees and the humid smell of the moors and bogs. But there were also dark memories of her encounters with murderous Red Caps. The Boobrie's attacks and the brutal battle at the foot of Glen Etive.
‘Are you sleeping Mo Chridhe,’ Darion's velvety voice drifted across the water?
Avery opened her eyes and saw him sitting on a large boulder near the shore.
‘I am not quite sure,’ she replied. ‘It felt like being stuck between two worlds. How long have you been watching me,’ Avery asked with a faint smile?
‘Well, it has been a while. I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful until a moment ago when it seemed as if a shadow fell over your face.’ Darion replied, pulling Avery's boat back to shore.
‘My dreams took me back to the events of the last few months. It felt so real. I am glad you woke me,’ Avery sighed, climbed out of the boat and kissed Darion on his forehead. She was thrilled to have him back but regretted not accompanying him to Kilchurn Castle and the Seelie Court.
‘How are things at the Castle? Is Adelaide alright? What about Ursula, Hugh, and Glen? What's William up to, and what about Sorcha and Asanopirh? Did you see Oren, Laratbogh and Ghilli Duh,’ Avery inquired eagerly to hear from her friends?
‘Slow down Mo Lennan,’ Darion laughed and took her hands before he continued. ‘Sorcha and Asanopirh train our young warriors and assist Bilobeal and his brothers with the creation of more effective weapons. Laratbogh, Oren, and Aislinn are busy replanting Eredine forest while Ghilli Duh cares for wee Faerydae,’ Darion explained. He knew well what Avery longed to hear but took his sweet time and enjoyed her growing curiosity.
‘Well, after Clyde's and Julia's handfasting, William and Adelaide decided to bring Harris, Anne and Lucie back to Kilchurn Castle. The lads are busy rebuilding the mill and farm together with their parents while Ursula and Maigreadh take care of the Inn,’ Darion explained. ‘They were all extremely disappointed you didn't come along. I had to promise to bring you back in time for Samhain.’
‘Aye, Darion. We should celebrate Samhain at Kilchurn Castle. The Great Hall is big enough, and Clyde and Julia would love nothing better. It's a shame William and Adelaide wouldn't be there. But then again, we'll have a double wedding when they return,’ Avery cheered, twirling around like a spindle. ‘I miss them terribly. Maybe we should drop down to the Inn for a brief visit. It must be beautiful there now. I love the colourful autumn forest, the crisp mornings, silvery mist, and the smell of rain. Let's go tomorrow!’
‘Well, not so fast Mo Lennan,’ Darion responded with a thoughtful look. ‘We haven't finished your training. You are a master with the short Swords, I admit, but you have ways to go with the Sword.’
‘Crivens, when will you get off my back with that blasted Sword? I've fought all battles victoriously. There is no need to waste more time. My mother taught me everything there is to know about magic. I am ready to go home. However beautiful it is on the island. It will never be my home. Please be reasonable, and forget about the bloody Sword,’ Avery shouted, her face flushed with anger.
‘Avery, you are King Somerled’s heiress and must fulfil all obligations that come with it. I hope we won't see another battle, but we must be ready for such a challenge. Let's go. It's time for you to rest. I am sure you'll master the Sword before Samhain.’ Darion replied, pulling Avery into his arms.
Chapter 2 Ruadhri’s Lair
H
amish and Malcolm walked bent over, desperately trying to shield their faces against the bone-chilling wind and icy rain. Trees, shrubs, and large boulders loomed into their vision before vanishing again in a dense grey wall of rain.
‘We shouldn't have come here, not in this weather,’ Hamish shouted, but the howling wind muffled his voice, so it sounded like a fading echo.
‘Crivens Hamish. It's not like we had a choice. Do you think I'd be here if Dunbar hadn't locked my wife in the dungeon?’ Malcolm responded, seemingly calm, but the set of his jaw and his clenched fists bore witness to his rising fury.
Soon the men's feet felt numb, and their steps got more laboured with each stride as they sank into the mud past their ankles. The world around them seemed to be erased by the storm, and they would be too if they didn't find Ruaraidh's shelter soon. The soldiers summoned all their strength and struggled on until they saw a faint light in the distance. Hamish and Malcolm exchanged looks and nodded as neither had the strength to speak, a faint smile of relief washing over their faces.
‘Hold it right there,’ a man's voice echoed through the darkness. ‘Who the feck are you, and how did you get here?’ The voice had gotten louder and seemed as close as if the man stood right next to Malcolm and Hamish.
‘Dunbar sent us. We have a message for Ruaraidh,’ Hamish gasped. His voice was weak and barely audible.
‘Well, we shall see. Let's go then,’ the man growled back at them before Malcolm and Hamish felt a hard jolt to their rips. The two men tripped and stumbled onwards without the slightest protest. Both of them didn’t have the energy to fight back and endured the pushing and shoving in silence. Bit by bit, their eyes adjusted to the dim torchlight so they could see their capturers. The men were tall and muscular, had long hair, full reddish beards, and appeared in their early thirties. The leader of the group stared menacingly at Malcolm and made him shiver.
Damn, they are Vikings, Malcolm thought, turning around to warn Hamish and seeing the shock of recognition in his comrade's eyes. Moments later, the group entered a hall with a massive fire in its centre. The air was thick with smoke and the smell of burning pine. The fire was so bright that Malcolm and Hamish had to squint their eyes almost shut. Unable to see anything in the distance, the two kept stumbling on, following a barely audible whisper and the increasing warmth of the fire. The men's fear began to dwindle when they realised they were safe from the storm’s unrelenting fury for now. Malcolm drew a deep breath, trying to shake off the anxiety washing over him. When his eyes had adjusted to the bright light, he saw a group of men standing around a towering figure. The man's skin looked weathered and aged, but his eyes were quick and bright like the ones of a young warrior. He looked briefly at the two soldiers with his piercing blue eyes, then raised a hand and waved them over.
