The Last Days of Magic Read Online Free Page A

designated you as her sage aspect,” said Haidrean, tired of repeating himself on this point, “and Aisling as her warrior. You can’t change that.”
    “That may be, but Aisling’s aspect is more fun,” replied Anya. “And she’ll get to stay up here in the sun.”
    “Sun?” asked Haidrean, looking at the window.
    “My point is that after our coronation I’m meant to reign from a damp underworld. But I have decided that the day I’m crowned, I’ll decree that forevermore both Morrígna twins are allowed to live out in the light of the human world.”
    “The Sidhe need an aspect of the Morrígna in the Middle Kingdom for your rule to be recognized. That is your duty and your destiny and why there are two of you. You and Aisling will be Goddess of both lands. Besides, your new palace won’t seem like a damp underworld to you after the coronation.”
    “You really think I’ll feel different then?”
    “Of course,” Haidrean assured her. “Already you feel Aisling as part of yourself. Concentrate and try to describe it.”
    She turned her focus inward. “It’s like she is sitting right here with me, only more so. She fills half the very essence of who I am. I can’t think of myself without thinking of her. She brings strength to me, as I know I bring knowledge to her.” Anya shut her eyes. “At the same time, I am also with her. We are galloping through the woods, I feel the wet and cold she feels.” Anya shivered and gave a little laugh. “We are urging our horse to run faster, trying to outpace Liam.”
    “During the coronation ceremony, you will take the next step,” said Haidrean. “You will no longer feel Aisling inside you, because you will not sense yourself as separate from her. You will finish becoming one being. You might not even remember there was a time when you were two.
    “Now open your eyes and return to your lesson on the Roman Church.” Haidrean leaned across the table and slid a book toward her.“For centuries they plotted against Ireland, and they plot still. You need to understand them.”
    Anya pushed the book a few inches back toward him. “The Vatican wouldn’t dare attack us, not after we routed Strongbow the last time they tried. And my Irish Christian Church is as much an enemy to the Roman Church as we are. It grows ever stronger and has as many monasteries across Britain and Europe as the Vatican does.” Anya grinned as she added, “Is it true what they say about Strongbow, about how he acquired that moniker, that he was gifted below the waist?”
    “Remember,” said Haidrean, ignoring her question, “the Irish Church will not fall under your rule, so you cannot count on them to fight for you. The Morrígna commands the armies of the Celts and the Sidhe only.”
    “And the Fomorians. No ships will get past them without my permission,” added Anya.
    Haidrean loathed Fomorians, the fierce race of amphibious Nephilim who stalked the seas around Ireland, always reeking of rotten fish. They were troublesome creatures, but between Celts and Christians, Haidrean knew they preferred to eat Christians, any Christians. “They were of great assistance stopping Strongbow,” he conceded, “so I suspect you can count on them with proper gifts and firm threats. But even with those forces at your command, you’ll need to be vigilant and prepared. In the two hundred years since the Vatican sent Strongbow to invade Ireland, the Roman Church has fallen and risen anew, stronger and more deceptive than ever. I believe that you’ll have to fight them once more, very soon.”
    “Surely the Skeaghshee are a more pressing problem,” insisted Anya.
    “You can worry about negotiations with them after your birthday, young lady. They’ll submit to your authority once you’re enthroned.”
    Even as Haidrean said this, he worried that it might not be true. The law called for the twins to ascend to the throne at the age offourteen, in four days, and Haidrean felt in his bones that