The Meeting of the Waters by Caiseal Mor

Author:Caiseal Mor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2002-06-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

CECHT WAS WALKING TOWARD THE RAMPARTS OF THE hillfort when he noticed a commotion at the gate. He quickly looked around, hoping to find Riona, but there was no sign of her nearby. So he shrugged his shoulders and decided to find out what had attracted the sentries' attention.

The Danaan king had not walked more than ten paces when he heard a voice he recognized but one he had hardly expected to hear.

“My name is Isleen the Seer,” the woman was insisting, “and this is my husband, Lochie. Surely you know us well enough. We have just been down to the spring to wash and were returning.”

“The guard has just changed,” one of the sentries explained. “I did not see you go out.”

“And you were not expected,” Cecht cut in as he approached the gate. “Indeed I am surprised to see you here. We did not believe Aoife when she said she had spoken with you.”

“We have been following a Milesian scout,” Lochie explained. “He joined his ship not far from here and they sailed south. My wife and I thought we had better report this to Brocan.”

“You'll find him in his hall,” the king told them. “But don't expect him to be in good humor. He has all but declared eternal war on the Danaan people and turned his own folk against him at the same time. He may not be king for long if he does not relent.”

“It is good to see you again,” Isleen greeted, a coldness in her voice which indicated she was merely being polite.

“There was a time when you spent a great deal of time at my fortress,” Cecht said quietly to her. “Is Dun Gur not to your taste anymore?”

“I am a Seer. I go where the Druid Assembly sends me. What are you doing here?”

“At present I am looking for Riona, the Queen of the Fir-Bolg. She and her husband have had a falling-out and I would like to comfort her.”

“I am sure you would.” Isleen hummed. “The queen has gone down to the sea. We passed her on the way up here. She was not in a very welcoming mood.”

“You must forgive her,” Cecht begged. “She's had a very difficult time with Brocan.”

“I hope she's not expecting you to heal her hurt,” the Seer retorted.

The king looked to the ground, avoiding her eyes. “I'd heard a rumor that you were married,” he said, “though I have not had the opportunity to meet your husband properly.”

“It was a very recent occurrence,” Isleen informed him. Then she looked to her companion. “Lochie, this is Cecht, King of the Tuatha De Danaan of the south and west. Cecht, this is my husband Lochie. Now you've been introduced.”

“Greetings,” the Danaan replied. “It's a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed.

“And you,” Lochie answered cheerfully.

“Well, I won't keep you from delivering your news to Brocan,” Cecht sighed. “If anyone is looking for me I'll be with Queen Riona.”

And with that Cecht pushed past, acknowledged the sentries and was soon beyond the circle of torchlight and heading down to the seashore.

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