Padraig Tuathil led the way, for this whole expedition was his idea. King Diarmuid’s last words implied that the Lady Meadhbh was somewhere here, and if anyone knew what should be done next, it would be Her.
Assuming She’s even here, thought Farris, although dismissing the existence of the gods was a lot more difficult now than before.
Back in Penance, all the corpses of the horde had been taken to the Saltgate to be burned, ensuring that none would rise again. Those that died during the battle were to be burned, too, including the king, though Padraig had objected to including the latter, claiming His Grace deserved a royal funeral. Given that no such arrangement had been made, this journey would be a form of middle ground.
But why did so many others insist on coming? Farris turned back to see Fionn following behind. The young lad held his arm in a sling. Apparently, he had lost two fingers in the fighting, though he didn’t elaborate more on that.
Skies above, first an arm, then two fingers. He’s lucky to still be alive.
Next to Fionn was Cormac, who had fought in the Triad’s army at the Goldgate. He had narrowly escaped the battle with his life, and now walked with a limp.
Maybe he saw his own daughter there. Farris recalled the rumours that Morrígan herself was present at the Goldgate, before making her appearance atop the Tower of Sin.
None had seen her since she left the city that night. Much to Farris’s frustration, the citizens had been celebrating their supposed victory over the dead for the past three days. Despite all they lost, the people of Penance were willing to grasp onto any thread of happiness, even though Morrígan was still out there, stronger and more powerful than before.
“Do you think She’ll help us?” whispered Nicole. “What do you think we’ll get out of this?”
Farris didn’t respond. After all, Diarmuid had said it was Meadhbh who killed Santos. Surely Nicole should be worried a similar fate awaited them all.
The tunnel eventually widened out into a large clearing. This was one of the many outposts along the railway line, originally built to house the engineers who would maintain the line and the locomotives. Now it was nothing more than a desolate cave, with several derelict buildings scattered throughout.
Padraig stopped abruptly. “This is where Diarmuid claimed he was attacked. We should split up and search.”
As they dismounted, Fionn stepped forward. “Wait, so we have no real proof that She’s here? You’re saying that we could have been travelling for a whole day just to find nothing?”
“What choice do we have?” asked Padraig, shrugging. “It’s only a matter of time before Morrígan returns. Penance remains the last bastion of civilisation, and we certainly won’t be able to hold it if it’s attacked again. Now, search the area, and shout if you see anything strange.”
They all split up, though Nicole stayed close to Farris. Slowly, the two of them paced around the perimeter of the outpost, examining every inch of the walls and floor for any indication of oddity.
“I never did thank you,” said Nicole eventually, avoiding Farris’s eyes. “As much as I hate to admit it, I’m glad you came back to… save me.”
Farris swallowed deeply. His heartbeat quickened. “Why, wouldn’t you have done the same for me?”
Nicole took his hand into her own. “That’s another thing you’d never catch me admitting.”
In that instant, all his fear left him. Fear for his people, fear for what Morrígan may do next. As much as it hurt, even the deaths those back in Penance no longer weighed upon Farris’s shoulders.
“Nicole,” he said carefully. “I’ve been meaning to say—”
“Hey!” came Fionn’s panicked voice from across the clearing. “Come look at this!”
Dropping Farris’s hand, Nicole turned and ran towards Fionn. Farris jogged on behind, cursing the lad’s timing.
When they reached the other side, it was clear what Fionn had found. There, in the stone, was a large, crooked hole with irregular edges.
“What is it?” said Cormac breathlessly. “Another tunnel?”
“No,” said Fionn. “There were circles drawn on the wall. Like the symbol of the Trinity. When I touched them, they opened.”
“This must it,” said Padraig, stepping forward. He unsheathed his sword. “There are stairs here, but they don’t look very safe. You better watch your step.”
The captain led the way, the others following closely behind. The stairs indeed were difficult to navigate, with each step larger or smaller than the last. Whereas they were once in a natural cave formation, this one seemed far less so. Oddly shaped columns held up the ceiling, as if conceived by a drunk architect. Or a madman.
The stairs eventually led down to a small opening in the darkness. Before them, stood an altar, with a strange, blue aura emanating from it.
“What is this place?” asked Padraig, looking around at the empty room.
In a brilliant flash, blue light engulfed the party. From the radiance came a terrible voice, each word drenched in spite.
“You have killed but two kings,” it said. Farris’s hands cupped his ears. “And already you have strayed from the path set out before you. This day was destined to come since Creation, and I am ready for whatever force you have brought.”
From the source of the light emerged a figure. A woman, slender and beautiful, who wore nothing but light as a gown. She stepped forward, and the blue aura began to dwindle, giving the party a full view of her grace.
Padraig was first to fall to his knees, followed by Cormac and Fionn. Nicole did the same, leaving Farris the only one standing.
“Holy Mother of Gods and Kings,” whispered Padraig. “We are not worthy to witness your beauty. We humbly come before you for help.”
The Lady Meadhbh paused and looked down at the group. A curious expression crossed her face, almost like confusion.
Is it possible for a god to even be confused?
“Who are you to come before me?” she demanded, her words echoing around the chamber. “None of you should be here. Where is the Godslayer?”
Farris stepped forward, his fingers curling into fists. “Her army was defeated at Penance. She left and hasn’t been seen since.”
Meadhbh frowned on hearing this. “No. The horde never made it to Penance. King Diarmuid died drunk and alone in Cruachan, and she claimed his power there. The army never travelled north.”
Farris hesitated for a moment. None of the others seemed likely to respond, so he continued instead.
