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Epilogue

I waited, one century after the next. I decided thousands of wars. I was there when Arthur fell to his son's own blade and when Mordred fell to his father's—both met me at the cauldron where their differences were finally put to rest. One day, they shall return, even as my Cú Chulainn would.

The Dagda still waited. And so did I.

One day, I'd see my beloved again.

So many years passed. So much bloodshed. Whenever one man struck down another in vengeance I could hear my beloved, my Cú Chulainn cry... his blood screaming from within the earth itself.

But it wasn't him. Not anymore. It was Vengeance. The vengeance he'd taken from his son by his love, by his sacrifice.

And it cried out to me so often.

I heard the cries of those faithful ones who were fed to the lions in Roman arenas. Then, I thwarted the crusaders who'd been born from their ancestors whom I once defended from the very empire whose banner they came to carry.

I preserved a remnant of druids and all those who believed in us... me and the Dagda, the Horned God Cernunnos, and others, we whom they now refer to as the "old gods." Despite many who sought to eliminate them, I ensured that those who embraced the old ways still thrived in the shadows.

I responded to the cries of the enslaved as they endured the middle passage. I emboldened a young lawyer, a tall and lanky man with a predilection for funny hats, to overcome the odds and see the cruel and peculiar institution ended.

I presided over an armistice. I invigorated the hearts of the soldiers who stormed Normandy's beaches and liberated the death camps.

But I did not align myself with one nation over another. Even while one side achieved a victory I flew into the mushroom cloud, I led the souls of tens of thousands to the cauldron when their lives were tragically ended. They'd have another chance... just like my beloved.

I was there still when a reverend who knew me not had a dream. He, too, has seen my cauldron and I wish I could say he'd soon return... for the world needs to hear his voice again.

More than once I quieted the hands of Americans and Soviets alike as they nearly set the entire world aflame out of their hatred for and fear of the other.

Innumerable other conflicts, spanning the world, were guided by my invisible hand. But alas... now even the earth cries against humanity, choking on the indulgences of a species addicted to its own delusions of progress.

Even as the earth cries for Vengeance, begging me to answer her call. Still, there is hope. If they could succeed, perhaps the world will finally become a place suitable for my beloved's return.

Two children. A boy and a girl. Twins.

Born of the kind creature who'd once touched my heart at a time when I thought myself unlovable. A creature whom I knew before I became the Morrigan. The children of Grainne and the druid whom my father sought to destroy...

I saw my father for the first time in more than a millennium, though for him it had probably seemed but moments. He spread his scaly dragon wings and took a deep breath, fire in his nostrils, as he emerged from the portal. He was after the druid... and I knew my father well. Anand said he'd never leave the children of his enemies alive lest they rise up to avenge their parents against him. I had to protect the twins.

Where was the boy? I didn't know. At least he was safe. But the girl... I could take her... I could raise her up and prepare her to become something more. Yes, I could use this girl to protect her brother, too. For these children, though they seemed as common as any children coming of age, were born of an ancient people. A community of druids... a people who honored the earth... a people who despied vengeance...

Yes, I am still the Phantom Queen of Samhuinn, the goddess of war and death...

But the war has changed.

No longer am I consumed with wars between clans or even nations and empires. Now there is one final war left to decide... the war between humanity and itself. Yes, I've seen world wars. But now the war for the world has begun... and I cannot remain silent.

For the blood that lingers in the ground, the blood of my beloved, cries out to me still. Perhaps my beloved is waiting... waiting for one who might conquer Vengeance once and for all... waiting for a world, one I intend to make, worthy of his true gifts. I'd do what I needed to do. I'd rely on these strange twins, the children of Grainne, and hope they can finally pacify the cry of Vengeance. I'd do it for the sake of the earth, yes, but especially for my Cú Chulainn. After all, when a god or goddess loves a mortal, such love never really dies.