The Invasion

THE INVASION

"Madainn mhath, Daidí."

Patrick opened his eyes and smiled. His only son (and youngest child of three) had climbed up into the bed with him. From the doorway, his young wife smiled at the picture before her.

"And good morning to you, my son. And why are you so happy this morning?" Patrick chuckled at the comical look of despair that appeared on his son's face. "Peace, Stephen. I haven't forgotten your birthday." His son giggled in delight that his father had indeed not forgotten the momentous day. With a high-pitched battle cry, Stephen attacked his father, and the two engaged in a mock wrestling match before Patrick's wife interrupted them.

"If you two have had enough fun destroying the bed, I believe our young man has a breakfast waiting for him."

Patrick tucked his son beneath his arm as parents and child floated into the dining room, joined by Patrick's two other children. Patrick's daughters, who adored their younger brother, made a fuss over him, as the family enjoyed a birthday breakfast.

Patrick looked at his family with pride and joy. Though his daughters were as fair as any of the folk of Tir-na-Thonn, his son was the apple of his eye. He had the same light green skin and dark green hair that was common to Patrick's people, but his eyes were a dark blue that was both rare and highly prized. He was a beautiful child who would grow into a hero and a champion. If the Others would only allow it.

That grim thought proved prophetic. The sound and motion of a gong reverberated through the water of the household.

The eyes of the family turned to Patrick. "Wait here, I'll go to the center." In a matter of seconds, Patrick joined a group of other males thronging about. An older male wearing a copper band on his upper right arm got their attention.

"Two boats. Red caps. And at least one druid." An excited murmur made its way through the collected males. The red caps and druid meant this wasn't just a group of adventurers looking to blood themselves. It was a slaving mission, sent to capture their women.

The villagers moved quickly. The matrons of the village escorted the younger women and children to the caves. The men made their way to the armory. When Patrick placed a helm over his head, his visage transformed to that of a fierce, disfigured boar.

As the men made their way to the surface, brandishing their spears, they were joined by the filed, whom the invaders called sirens. The villagers would need their musical spells to aid them in their battle against the invaders.

There was a grim determination as they approached the invaders' vessels. But Patrick and the rest of the villagers were determined to let the invaders know they were neither beasts nor cattle. They were Muir-gheilt, and they would not go without a fight.