“The mortals would not stand for the murder of their kings.” That was the first problem, to be sure. But Tomas was wrong, this was not who we were. When our ancestors were kings, it was because the mortals asked them to be. They had never taken it. How could he not see this?

This is why the gods have given you another chance. Don’t squander it looking for love. You are a warlord. You are Hector. Not Paris.”

“The stones of Danu are a dangerous place to bring a captive witch. They will have enhanced her powers.”

“Parents will teach them, friends, but at the rate we are having gifted children, soon there will be no one left to teach. You must let go of your histories, scrolls and books. We must look forward, not back.” Tomas shifted in his chair, a small smile curling his upper lip.

Three large spiderwebs spun between the bushes caught my attention. They were not separate the way most webs were; these were so big that the edges merged. I stepped closer, marvelling at the intricate pattern and ordered strands. On each web, there sat a spider on the highest point, holding itself tight as if in a ball, concealing itself so that a

war within a war? I gave my sword one more spin, then put it away. I had been lost inside my head for too long. Life was changing in the fortress. It was no longer a sanctuary, and when I arrived, I needed to get to the root of it.

I pulled my chair closer to his. I couldn’t believe what he was saying. “You would give a potion of forgetfulness to mortals without their consent?” “If I had to.” “This is a big change, Tomas.” I kept my voice considered. Thoughtful. Conspiratorial. “When we changed the laws, we spoke of peace. Now you want us to use our magic to make people lose

I nodded, for I was not here to argue. I was here to listen to his plans, but inside, my stomach sank. Tomas had laid his true thoughts bare. He wanted us to go to war. To fight. To kill. To hold power for power’s sake, and he’d do anything to achieve his goal. Even kill Broccan. Even use his potions on people to make them lose their memories. I kn

Why had someone wanted Tigernach to kill Broccan? Could it really be Tomas?