Page 60

"Again, dearest Emer. A single cut will suffice. Though the deeper the blade strikes, the quicker it is sure to act."

Emer took a deep breath. "Thank you, goddess. I will join you in the cauldron of rebirth before the sun rises."

I nodded, gently stroked Emer's cheek, and wiped away a tear. "I promise you, dear Emer, you will find happiness. You will carry with you the lessons of this life and finally realize your heart's desire in the next."

I assumed theform of a fly that I might follow Emer as she approached the chambers—chambers of honor given to Fand and Cú Chulainn that they might enjoy whatever comforts Conchobar offered. He had great plans for them, given the power she brought to Ulster by being wedded to his prized champion.

Emer moved with trepidation, each step down the hall deliberate as she approached and pressed open the door. She was dressed in black, perfect for maneuvering through the shadows.

She pressed open the door. Cú Chulainn and Fand both laid together, a blanket covering their bodies while the man she'd once hoped to become her husband slept. But the faerie... she was alert. She looked upon her lover with wide eyes, stroking his long hair...

The look on Emer's face... She saw the love Fand had for him. She was second-guessing her intentions.

You must do it, I whispered as I buzzed near Emer's ear.Do not be dissuaded... the pain will only last a moment, then it will all be over.

"You truly love him," Emer said calmly. She was supposed to sneak up and take the faerie by surprise.

"I do," Fand said.

"I came that I might have my revenge... but how can I blame you for what your heart desires?"

The faerie smiled kindly. "I never meant for you to be hurt... this is not your fault, Emer."

Emer sobbed. "I know... it just hurts..."

"Where did you get the blade?"

Do not answer her!

"It was given to me by the Morrigan."

"The Morrigan. Are you certain?"

Emer nodded.

I wanted to scream. They couldn't know I'd set this up. If Cú Chulainn learned of my manipulations...

"This is not the first time she has interfered in these affairs, I fear..."

Emer shook her head. "I believe she was there at our wedding. There was a raven who crowed continually. Cú Chulainn was distracted by her... he must've known..."

I buzzed around the room in a fury. But the situation was still salvageable. Cú Chulainn already knew I'd taken an interest in his love life. But he believed I'd supported his desire to be with Fand. And he wasn't wrong. Ididwant him to be with Fand only that I might pull them apart again, that I might break his heart that it might heal again devoid of his love for her.

Emer lifted the blade and pressed its sharp edge to the palm of her hand.

No, Emer!

If she took her own life, but left Fand alive, Cú Chulainn would turn to his faerie bride for comfort. The tragedy would only deepen their love.

I appeared in full-form and with a bolt of energy zapped the blade out of Emer's hand.

At that very moment, a golden cone of energy appeared in the middle of the room.

A man in a black robe and hood appeared—it was Doidrich. He quickly grabbed the knife from the floor and charged after Cú Chulainn who was just starting to stir in his bed.

Emer dove across Cú Chulainn's body, shielding him from the blow, as the blade struck Emer in the shoulder.

"No!" I screamed. I grabbed Doidrich and threw him against the wall.