Free Waves in the Wind by Wade McMahan Page B

Óengusso is a sworn Christian? He serves his god, not the Lordly Ones. Were it not for our King’s tolerance he would force his beliefs upon us all.”
    “Of course I have not forgotten, Your Majesty. However, the unprovoked attack on Dún Ailinne revealed the Christians for who and what they truly are. Perhaps you and his other regional kings can now show King mac Óengusso the folly of supporting the Christians and their ways.”
    “He is a good, caring man and will be distressed by the atrocity at Dún Ailinne. Yet he is also an honorable man and will be reluctant to renounce his Christian god.” The King paused to think before continuing. “Write a letter to him on my behalf, telling of Dún Ailinne. Write it in a subtle manner that speaks to my concern for the need to maintain order while protecting the security of all, including those who stand beside the Lordly Ones.”
    “Very well, Sire. I shall write the letter immediately.”
    “Immediately, yes. I would send it to King mac Óengusso by courier today.” The King turned to me. “Now, Ossian. You and your friend would do battle against the Christians?”
    “Yes, Sire. We will need warriors, and if the gods will it, we shall strike at those who would attack us.”
    He returned to his seat and leaned towards me, forearms on his knees. “You will find many men here who will wish to join you. That is all well and good but I must place a limit on the number who may go. I cannot permit Rath Raithleann to become unprotected. Choose no more than forty men to side you.”
    My heart was warmed by King Domhnall’s support. “Thank you. You are very generous. With those men and others who will join us along the way we will become a formidable force.”
    He cocked his head and frowned. “Perhaps. You and your friend here will lead those men. What know you of war?”
    “I studied the art of war during many lessons on it. I pray they will serve me well.”
    He watched my face closely as I spoke, but shook his head. “Studying war is not all the same as practicing it. You will need experienced help, for a battlefield is not a classroom. Bring to me the names of the warriors who volunteer to go with you. I will help you select those who will serve you best.”
    “Thank you, My Lord. It is comforting to know you are beside me when it seems many other kings will stand aside.” Anger rose within me. “And, may they fall for turning their backs upon the Lordly Ones and may the carrion crows feast upon their rotting corpses!”
    “Ossian!” My father shook his finger at me. “Remember King Domhnall’s words. Many kings are lost within this darkness along with their people. Do not so quickly judge them. You are now a Druid. Act like one! Fight against them if necessary, but you must also search for ways to help those who are lost to find their way out of the darkness.”
    It was shamed I was, for of course he was right. “My apologies, Father.” I turned to King Domhnall. “And to you, My Lord. Please excuse my stupidity and ill-chosen words.” I paused for a moment to allow clarity to replace the anger clouding my mind. “Indeed, perhaps they are right to step away. If this be a war between religions and not kings, then so be it. Let it never be said that Druids turned away from a battle.”
    * * *
    That night, following dinner, Ceara’s family joined us at my father’s home. I again met her husband, a serious-minded man of considerable wealth who owned much land and many cattle.
    Laoidheach entertained us, sharing stories of our people and gods—Laegaire in Magh Mell, the wedding at Ceann Slieve, and the House of the Quicken Trees. I watched Aine during the telling of them, and she laughed often, her eyes never leaving the bard’s face.
    He then recited an old ballad of Conn of the Hundred Battles, one of my father’s favorites. However, his entertainment was not ended. From somewhere Laoidheach had borrowed a lyre and he strummed it while singing of