The fairy world had faired only a little better. We had lost many of our troops; but had taken the enemy with us. Our reinforcements gave us the larger force now though, and we had to hold onto that and make good use of it.
We decided to concentrate on London, as the capitol had been hit extremely hard. So we set about devising a plan to take back the city, and hopefully if this worked, it would discourage some of the enemy clans in smaller towns.
CHAPTER 20
We made sure we had surrounded London so we could close in and trap or kill anything in our way. We sent the less able of our troops in first to draw the enemy out and make them think they had an easy fight ahead. Our main troops however, were just behind them and attacked. Over and over again out plan worked and eventually, we had taken London back. Fairies travelled around the homes renewing the health spells, and giving aid. Of course not many of the mortals would ever say they had been helped by a fairy; those that did were said to have been in shock and hallucinating.
Although we had won a few battles; Cailleach Bheur was not about to give up the fight and with Dagdar by her side, she fought on.
We had to lure Dagdar away from her, so we could try a few spells I had found, to remove the bewitchment. We sat for hours trying to come up with a plan that we thought would work.
Eventually we all agreed the only thing that would draw him out, was using me as bait. The Witch would not be able to resist the chance to send him to slay the Intercessor. So our plan was put into motion. We let the word spread that I would be travelling to Hexham, a small town in Northumberland at the end of the week. I would be attending a meeting there of great importance and urgency, so I had decided the journey was worth the risk. Once again the sleigh came out and I had Oswald by my side to accompany me. Shape shifters and others came as my bodyguards. We had also stationed troops all along the route in readiness for an attack and sure enough, just outside of Hexham the attack happened.
As we had hoped, the great man himself led the attack. Our troops came out of hiding and as the battle went on I chanted my spells, none of which seemed to work. Unfortunately for us, the Witch had come with Dagdar to watch my demise, and her bond with him was stronger than my spells. I watched in horror as out troops were slaughtered. That was the only word I could use, it wasn’t a noble battle; rather one of malice and hatred.
I saw Dagdar coming towards me, and looked around in panic. There was no one to help me, my poor friends were lying in pools of blood, or still fighting for their lives. He was closing in on me and I thought my life would end and I would have failed all those counting on me and all those that had gone before me.
All of a sudden Oswald swept me up, just as Dagdar swung his axe. He saved my life but suffered a huge injury, still he flew me out of harms way, but not before I saw poor Jarl, one of the last standing, fall and be torn to pieces by Kelpies, and finished off viciously by Dagdar, brought on, I thought, by the frustration of missing out on killing me.
The plan had been a total failure, and we had lost so many of our friends. I openly wept as Oswald swept down to the cottage. He had just put me down at the door, when he collapsed. We got him inside and immediately began tending to his wound. It was a blessing that he had fallen into unconsciousness. His left side had a huge open wound, spreading from his hip, up to his chest. I did what I could for him and I dressed his wound and fed him a powerful potion of; Annise, Arnica, Carraway, Centaury, Daftodi, Great Mullein, Monkshood and Yarrow, mixed together with a small amount of Cowbane. This, I hoped would cover the fever, wound and pain. We could only wait and pray that Oswald would pull through. I tried not to think it was entirely my fault, but I couldn’t help it, it had been my plan and my troops had followed it. I had to pull myself together again; I couldn’t show weakness now, for everyone’s sake, including mine.
While we waited, hoping for Oswald’s recovery, the fight continued. We had taken back London and some of the southern parts of the country. We also had Scotland and some northern parts of England. The situation in Ireland was a stalemate, no one side was winning or losing. It was Wales and central England where we were losing ground and we were struggling to keep defeat away.
We had word a large battle had begun in Manchester and we sent extra troops to help. Some of the leaders from our group went with them. We gathered quickly before they left and I gave the leaders various spells to take and herbs to keep them safe. I empowered the spells and hoped and prayed this would be enough.
CHAPTER 21
It was on the sixth day after our defeat at Hexham, that Oswald came out of his fever and opened his eyes. My heart soared at the sight of his half hearted smile. He was still in pain, that was to be expected, but the worst was over and he was going to survive.
I called every one into the living room, they had been worried as much as I had, and we all sat around and chatted, thankful for this one piece of good luck. Inevitably, the talk returned to that fateful day, and our mood dropped for a while. I told Oswald everything we now knew, as we had found out a spy had been amongst us, and had told Dagdar and Cailleach Bheur of our plans. We had never stood a chance, and all except the two of us had perished. I cried as I told him of my last sight of Jarl, and I saw a tear fall from his eye also.
I decided this was the moment to remind them of my previous thoughts, regarding Taliesin. We discussed this at great lengths and voices once again were raised. At last I won them over and we agreed it was something we must try or we may be defeated. By this time poor Oswald looked exhausted and we all took to our beds and left him to rest.
Clax was the only one to stay up and watch him as he did his duties around the house. As Hattie had said, he was invaluable and already I could not think of how I would cope without him.
I could not sleep; I took my book of spells out and once again I searched for the perfect spell for Taliesin, one which would keep us safe from any stray spirits who may try to come through in his place.
At last, in the early hours of the morning, I found one and I was sure it would be acceptable to all. Now all we had to do was get Taliesin to agree to our request. The first problem would be persuading the group; and the second would be finding him, as it seemed he had been reclusive for some years. I slept then out of pure exhaustion and when I once again opened my eyes, it was late in the morning.
CHAPTER 22
My first task was easier than I thought it would be. I brought up my plan again, and instead of the argument that ensued the last time, the group was quiet. They reluctantly agreed, we had lost too many people from our side, and it was time to do something drastic.
We started by spreading the word to the wood nymphs, and through the city dwellers and country fairies. Anyone with any knowledge of the whereabouts of Taliesin, would they get a message back to the Intercessor, it was of uppermost importance.
The days past and we had no news, he had disappeared and no one knew where he was. We had heard of a tribe of Jewish fairies who also had the gift of prophecy. They were called the Mozikeen and were thought to have descended from Adam and Eve after they were removed from the Garden of Eden. We sent word and asked for their help. They sent back that they had discussed it, but it was not their fight yet, and they did not want to become involved or bring unwanted attention upon themselves. It was back to plan A; and the search for Taliesin continued.
We were losing hope and then we had a breakthrough that lifted our spirits. A clan of Merrow-folk, mermaids from Ireland, sent news that Taliesin had taken up home in some caves near their home. They had told him the Intercessor was asking for him, and he was now on his way to see me.
Even though we were not sure he would agree to what we wanted, or even that the spell would work, we were overjoyed.
More good news; the battle at Manchester had been long, and well fought. We succeeded in taking over the town and all our friends returned safely. Troops were left to help the mortals who were still coping there.
Unfortunately, we were told C
ailleach Bheur had found out about Taliesin and had sent Dagdar to slay him. We only hoped he had left Ireland before Dagdar had got there. We realised that was how we had won Manchester, the enemy troops, left on their own, could be defeated. Without Dagdar on their side, we could win the war; Taliesin had become our only hope to bringing an end to all this. The mortal folk of Great Britain had done so well, but they could not last forever in these conditions and eventually the Witch would have whoever was left, as her slaves.
We were woken by a commotion one evening. I rushed downstairs to find most of our group already there. As some of them moved out of the way, I saw Seth, the gardener, standing with a rather tall, very thin man. He had a long, pointy, grey beard and looked extremely dishevelled. He looked at me and said; ‘so you are the new Intercessor, not what I expected at all, so unimpressive and so……. short!’ This was the last thing I expected to hear, and stood with my mouth open, looking rather dumb, for a few seconds. I realised all had turned to look at me and tried to regain my composure. ‘Well we have established you are rude. Now would you like to tell us who you are and why you have come here?’
‘My name is Taliesin, and apparently, you wanted to see me on a matter of great urgency, so maybe you can tell me why I am here.’ The sigh of relief that went the room was clearly audible, I apologised, welcomed him, and we moved quickly to give him a seat and some food and drink before resuming any conversation.
CHAPTER 23
When Taliesin had been fed and was relaxed; we asked him about his journey. He had not dared use his magic to travel, he told us, as he knew it would be detected immediately. He knew if the Intercessor wanted him, then so would the enemy.
He had travelled some of the way as a mortal. He had found the going so hard; he was about to just find shelter and give up. As luck would have it, he had been grabbed by a group of Grogoch and hidden, just in time, as a small tribe of Dullahan passed nearby.
The Grogoch were small and very dirty. They wore no clothes but they were very hairy and covered in dirt and twigs. They may not look nice or have good hygiene; but they were friendly and didn’t mind helping out when needed. Their quick thinking had saved Taliesin.
The Dullahan, on the other hand, were evil beings. They travelled on horses and had no heads on their shoulders; they carried them under their arms. They used a human spine as whips for their horses. Any mortal who came into contact with them would inevitably die. They had most certainly been sent out to look for Taliesin, and kill him before he could get to us.
The Grogoch had kept him hidden and sent word ahead amongst the Netherworld. They managed to set up a network of Fairy folk to help to get him across to England, and then onto the Intercessor. So once more he had started on his journey, but this time, he had found it easier.
Once through Liverpool; he had been handed to the Twylyth Teg, the fair ones, to be taken across the fairy hills of Cumbria and on to Kelloe, near Durham, where our cottage stood.
He had arrived late in the night only to be set upon by a huge grey dog. He had thought he was about to die and had shouted out for help and screaming, his name and how the Intercessor had called for him. Luckily for him, the dog had disappeared as Seth came to his rescue.
I knew I had been right, my lovely nocturnal dog was my protector, and although he had been wrong in his judgement, he had stopped the attack when Seth came, I smiled.
Once Taliesin had finished his story, he turned and looked expectantly. It was now my turn to explain why he had been called for, and therefore, the reason for his long journey.
I took a deep breath, and outlined my plan to him, at the same time doing a very mortal thing; I had my fingers crossed behind my back the whole time. I told him he would be protected, and the spell was sure to work. We had to wait for an answer, however, as he decided he needed to sleep and have time to think. Once again we returned to out beds. We left instructions with Clax, not to let us sleep late the next morning. If Taliesin agreed, then we must be ready to begin straight away. All we could do was hope for sleep and a good result in the morning.
CHAPTER 24
Clax followed orders, and got us all up early the next day; breakfasts were ready and the usual chamomile tea. I had taken a great liking to this and so carried on drinking it after Hattie left.
The last to enter was the man himself. We all turned, and could not hide the hope that must have shown on our faces.
If he refused our plea, I didn’t know what we would do. Even though we had prepared well, I was becoming worried at our depleted stores. The extra help had not been expected and therefore, we were using up more of our food than we had thought. I knew we could not carry on for many more months and sooner, rather than later, we would have to begin rationing the food and fuel we used. Our hopes were now depending on this man and his previous identity, Gwion Bach. It could be dangerous for him and us, but I was certain of my spell; I knew it would work.
Taliesin was kind and didn’t make us wait long. ‘Well Abigail, if I can call you that?’ I nodded and smiled. ‘Let’s see what you are made of. I’ll agree to your request my dear, just make sure you take good care of me, I’m not ready to expire yet. I’m placing my trust in you Intercessor; please do not make me regret my choice.’ As soon as the words had left his mouth, I couldn’t resist rushing to him and giving him a huge hug. Not professional, I grant you, but after all, I was just a mortal, and couldn’t and wouldn’t, let that part of me disappear.
The next couple of hours were chaotic. Even though our garden was protected; we decided it would be safer to do the spell in the confines of the cottage, and warmer too. We began by removing all the furniture from the sitting room. I mixed a potion of aloe, pepper, musk, vervain and saffron and also added a small amount of sweet grass. I set it in pots, in a circle around the room. I sat Taliesin in the centre of the room, in a comfortable chair, and warned him the spell would take a while. I had to repeat the words three times with twenty minutes apart; only then, with luck, would it work. We had replenished the protection dust around the room to help keep any unwanted spirits away from us.
With everything ready, I began my spell:
Guardians of the spirit realm, hear and guard my plea, When the witching hour rings true, bring Gwion Bach to me. Other souls who hear my call, are not welcome in this place. Only the one known as Gwion Bach, may enter sacred space.
We dared not talk in between the incantations, so the time seemed to slow down. I made sure the pots of herbs were kept burning, and paced around the room. I didn’t know what the outcome of all this would be, but I knew I was doing the right thing. My mind went back to Hattie. She told me to follow my instincts and that was exactly what I was doing. I looked up and gave a silent prayer; please let me make you proud Hattie.
At last the time came and I made my final incantation:
Guardians of the spirit realm, hear and guard my plea, When the witching hour rings true, bring Gwion Bach to me. Other souls who hear my call are not welcome in this place. Only the one known as Gwion Bach, may enter sacred space.
We waited, it seemed forever, but probably, in reality, only a few minutes and then a light shone down on Taliesin and he seemed younger in his stature. He spoke and it was a young man's voice. ‘Tell me the meaning of this, why have I been called forth, I do not belong to this time and place.’ It had worked; I was elated but knew he couldn’t stay long, so I chose my words well before I spoke.
CHAPTER 25
‘Welcome Gwion Bach, I am sorry for this disturbance and would thank you for your patience. I needed your counsel
on a matter of great urgency. I am Abigail, the Intercessor, and our country is in terrible danger; mortals and fairy folk alike.’ He looked at me and nodded for me to continue.
‘Cailleach Bheur has declared war and wants to rule. She has bewitched Dagdar, and he is using his great battle knowledge, to help her in her quest. Please great prophet and magician; could you help by telling us a way to remove the hex from Dagdar so we may defeat the Witch, and return the balance?’
Gwion Bach looked around the room and then took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and lowered his head. I turned to look at my friends; I wasn’t sure what was happening. Orchid smiled, and put her fingers to her lips in a sign for me to stay silent. I nodded and turned back to entity in the middle of our circle.
He eventually lifted his head and spoke; ‘Even I can not tell you of the outcome of this war. I have looked to the future and can only see up to a certain point. A quest you must undertake Intercessor, and not one I envy you of. The only way to rid Dagdar of this hex, is to visit the other plane and talk to the Fairy Kings and Queens.’
There was a gasp around the room and Gwion Bach continued; ‘only they have the power to remove this hex, but tread carefully and protect yourself well. The Royalty do not like to be bothered with earthly things and may swat you like a fly. You must get them to listen to you, and I urge you; be forceful, but courteous, be arrogant, but humble and be strong but meek. This I can tell you, if they decide you are not worthy, then you will never leave their plane alive. I wish you luck Intercessor, and now I wish to return to my rightful place.’ I thanked him, and we all said our farewells. I then thanked the Guardians for their help. Once again he lowered his head and the light disappeared. Taliesin was with us once more. He stood up and seemed to check himself and then simply said with a chuckle; ‘well done Abigail, I hope I was of help.’
The Intercessor Page 5
