Excerpt: Blackbird Sings: A Novel of Tir na Romhainn by Cynthia Fortier –
The late frost covered the ground and the breath of soldier and horse hung in the air. “Archers at the ready,” Caidon commanded. He turned to the three crowned men on his left. “We will hear their request for surrender. Then, let loose the arrows once we are clear.” The three men simply nodded.
The mounted soldiers behind them glanced about, shifting in their saddles. The war had raged on for ten years with no clear winner in sight. The enemy retained massive troops with skills beyond the most experienced knight on the field. Why King Caidon anticipated surrender none understood.
As the sun broke the crest of the mountain, the true numbers of the Daoine could be seen. Four horses bearing riders representing the Daoine approached the center of the field, pennants of each house flying softly on the light breeze.
The four kings advanced onto the field. Caidon raised a gauntlet covered hand in salute and proceeded ahead of the others. A slight figure encased in leather armor advanced to meet him in the center.
“What terms of surrender do you request?” Caidon commanded. The leather clad figure raised the visor on the helmet. “You?” Caidon sneered.
“Of course, it is me,” responded a soft female voice. “We will not surrender. Caidon, please end this now.”
“Do not presume to command me my lady. You gave up the right to ask anything of me when you chose to oppose me.”
She shook her head again, “then let us end this. You and me. No more of your people need die.” Caidon sniggered. “Your word Caidon, if I best you in combat, your men will return to their homes and families.” She spoke loud enough for the quiet air to carry her voice to all present.
“And when I best you?”
She smiled. “If you best me the Daoine will pass beyond the Mist. You’ll not have to worry about my people again.”
“Let it be so.” He turned and rode back to the three kings. “No matter what happens, loose the arrows and take as many of them down as you can.” The three kings shifted in their saddles but acquiesced.
Maira returned to her companions. “He will not honor his word. He will command his archers to fire regardless of who is victorious. Prepare for the worst. Shields up.”
Coanloach helped Maira into the formal breastplate which bore the crest of her family and symbol of her place on the Circle of the Moonblade. She knelt before Morgan, high druid, and Eilidh, high priestess of Romhainn, asking for a blessing from the God and Goddess.
When she stood, she removed the amulet from around her neck, kissed it and sighed deeply. “A girl child will be born this day in Taliesin Forest. Be sure she receives this token.” Morgan and Eilidh looked at each other and promised they would see the amulet to the girl themselves.
Maira mounted her horse and placed the helmet firmly upon her head. “It is in the hands of the Gods now.” The entire assemblage, noble, squire, soldier, priest, and priestess knelt in salute to Maira as she rode to the center of the field.
Caidon met her there. They circled each other on horseback for what seemed forever but in truth was barely a minute. They dismounted, drawing swords and shields.
“Do you really want to go through with this?” He asked. “You know you have no chance of defeating me. I know your every move before you make it.”
“Do you see where I have another choice?”
“Join me!”
“Those are the words I have longed to hear from those lips. But rather than feeling the warmth of love and joy, I feel only the black ice of hate and agony. You have betrayed and defiled our love!”
“That is not true! You know I have always loved you!”
“And your treachery is your proof?! Ten years we have battled over your covetousness. Greed and selfishness fill your heart and soul now. You are not the man I have loved.”
For a moment he hesitated, “I do love you.” He smiled wickedly. “And I know you love me.”
She shook her head. “Defend your love! As I will defend mine!”
Their swords did not sing as they once had, but merely sounded as steel meeting steel. They had trained together, fought together, and knew each move the other would make. It was more a dance than a battle. The fight seemed to go on for hours, but the true time was unknown. Maira knew the weight of sword and armor would bring them both down before either would concede to, or defeat, the other. She knew what she must do. The swordplay must come to an end.
Caidon took at aim at her heart, as though he had heard her thoughts. He lunged; Maira did not evade or deflect the attack. She mirrored him, move for move. Caidon saw his sword pierce the breastplate. As he looked upon the face of Maira, she smiled up at him. He felt a pain in his heart and a warmth spread across his chest. The pain of her blade thrust into his heart. The warmth of his own blood being spilled. The swords melted into the flesh of the man and the woman who loved each other even in death. The swords vanished as the two fell into embrace.
A final kiss. A flash of light.Darkness.
Voices, whispering, could be heard. Fear and uncertainty spread throughout the people on both sides of the field. Tendrils of light began weaving through the darkness until the sun broke through the mist, giving birth to the dawn. As the haze lifted two horses could be seen circling in the center of the battlefield, but nothing else. No victor. No blood. No bodies.
The Daoine looked across the field toward the hill where their enemy had stood waiting for what they all expected to be the final battle. Three stone statues stood where the three kings had watched from the hill. Behind them, only ghostly figures of men.
And so, ended the time of Man in Talamh.