Read Online Waves in the Wind by Wade McMahan - Free Book Online Page B

martyred himself by walking to his own death in defiance of the depraved murderers. By so doing he demonstrated for all time his undying reverence for his gods, the mighty Lords of the Sidhe.”
    Angry shouts came from the gathering, demanding vengeance.
    “Strike them back!”
    “Damn all Christians!”
    “Revenge our martyrs!”
    My left hand raised the staff, my right hand, a fist. “Yes! Master Tóla’s last words to me spoke of vengeance, a war against all Christians. His death demands blood for blood, bone for bone!”
    A roar erupted from men’s throats while women’s wild shrieks rent the air.
    I glanced to my father, who bent down speaking into a man’s ear. He gave the man a gentle shove, and he whisked away through the crowd.
    “I sent the man to carry your news to King Domhnall,” he murmered to me. Then, his hands were raised in the air to quieten the still rowdy crowd. His angry voice shouted, “Yes! Vengeance is demanded! Make ready your arms for war. If it is war the Christians want, we shall bring it to them!”
    Again the gathering roared, and he waited ’til they quieted.
    His voice softened as he continued. “This morning we gleefully offered our thanks to the gods that the darkness might be waning. But now?” He shook his head. “Now, our thoughts must turn to the lost ones, all those who died at Dún Ailinne. I ask that tonight every home offer prayers in their memory. I also ask that every home offer blessings upon Master Tóla, the martyr to our faith.”
    He waited a moment longer as his eyes swept the crowd. “This Druid and I must now take the tragic news to our king. I thank you all for gathering here to welcome my son to his home.”
    “You and Laoidheach follow me home,” he muttered. “You must wash yourselves before you meet King Domhnall, and perhaps I have clothing to replace your soiled garments.”
    We no sooner entered the great-room of my father’s home than a flashing blue swirl darted through the door behind us, leaped into the air and clasped slender arms around my neck. Aine! She squealed with delight as I twirled her about, her feet sweeping the air.
    I relished the joy of holding her in my arms and reluctantly set my young sister on the floor. Extending her away at full arm’s length, my hands held her shoulders while my eyes drank in her loveliness. At sixteen years, green eyes twinkled within her small, oval face, while silken auburn hair tumbled down her back to her waist. Never had I seen anyone or anything more beautiful.
    “Oh Ossian, I’ve missed you so,” she began and chattered on, though I confess I heard nothing more she said as I stood there enchanted by her gaiety.
    The spell was broken by nearby coughing and loud throat clearing. It was Laoidheach, standing aside looking helpless and exceedingly jealous.
    “Oh. Pardon me. Laoidheach, meet my sister, Aine.” I gestured. “Aine, this is my friend Laoidheach. He will be staying with us for a while.”
    Aine dropped her head and gracefully curtsied before him. “It is my honor, sir.”
    His head bobbed, he swallowed hard and a harsh, meaningless screech escaped his lips, “Heeeek!”
    Aine did not seem to notice his awkwardness, though a flush crept up her face as she flitted back to hold my hand.
    My father cocked an eyebrow as his questioning eyes followed his daughter, but then he looked to me. “Come then. I shall see if I can find presentable clothing for the two of you.”
    He turned to leave the room, Laoidheach following, but I added, “Go on Father, you too Laoidheach. I’ll be with you in a moment. First though I would speak with Aine.”
    My suspicions aroused, I waited until they left the room, crossed my arms over my chest and demanded, “Well?”
    Aine was hanging her shawl on a wooden peg and turned to me. “Well, what?”
    “The redness in your cheeks speak though you do not.”
    “The redness in my cheeks?” Her hands flew to her face. “That is nothing. I’m