The Light of Lismore

There weren’t always dragons in the valley. Before the Light began to fade, when man and Donatai shared the Valle of Lismore, the mighty beasts remained in their caves, high above the glen, never daring to roam the skies.

For half a century they waited, growing hungry and vengeful.

Life had been easy in the Valle. Children, magical and non, played without fear or prejudice, never thinking of the perils that existed outside of their small world. There was power in the union between the two groups, a respect that extended beyond the reach of Lismore and kept Mayhem at bay. The alliance established the Light in the Greater Kingdom, protecting its inhabitants from evil that prowled beyond the realm. As long as Light remained in Lishmore, man, Donatai and all creatures within the Valle were protected. But unsettling stories were being whispered at the markets and fear was creeping into the pubs, hiding in the hushed candlelight conversations. Not all people of Lismore trusted the peaceful calm. Few remained who could recall the days when terror reigned and civil war tore the Kingdom apart. And of those that could recall, fewer dared speak of the horrors. Rumors of such terrors renewed were spreading among the more weary villagers and distrust was forming between man and Donatai.

The Light that protected the Kingdom was fading.

Finnegan Ruairc was sure he was about to die. Fire burned in his chest as he stretched his neck upwards, desperately searching for air, but finding only water. He thrashed frantically, reeds brushing his bare legs seductively, inviting him into the watery depths. Just another minute, he pleaded with himself in a mad frenzy of fear and exhilaration. Then, without warning, his head was snapped backward as a powerful pair of hands pulled him upward, breaking the waters surface. Collapsing on the muddy riverbank, Finnegan glared through his limp blonde hair at his rescuer.

“ I would’ve beat your record, I was this close” he held his thumb and forefinger centimeters apart, “You’re the worst.”

His savior, a slight girl with unruly curls and bottle-green eyes, smiled wickedly. “You, my dear Finn, would have drowned. And then I’d be responsible for explaining your untimely demise to your mother.” And to ease his wounded pride, she added, “But it was a valiant effort, to be sure.”

Despite his annoyance at being saved from an aqueous grave, Finn smiled. “You know, it’s not a fair contest, Phe. You’re a Donatai, you can just magic yourself into holding your breath longer or turn yourself into a fish or something”

Feigning indignation, the corners of her lips twitching, Phe protested, “A fish? I should certainly hope I’ve more skills than turning into a snack for waterfowl. Besides,” she added in a voice that suggested she’d mentioned this fact several times before, “I’m not an Animhi. I don’t magic into different species.”

A rustle of leaves tore Finns attention from the conversation. In one fluid motion, he sprang noiselessly into action. He crouched low, every muscle tensed for an attack. Phe, still perched casually on her rock by the river, tilted her head in amusement and cheerfully announced, “Company in three, two…one!” A tangle of russet colored hair atop a massive frame ambled through an opening in the trees, and stood towering over the still crouching Finn.

“Oy! Where’d the pair of ya go? Left me alone with Ean and he kept Turning on me. One minute I’m talking to him, next he’s flying around me head trynna peck me eyes out!”

Phe sighed, “Oh Colin, do turn down the dramatics a bit, it’s not very becoming for a man of your…size”

Colin, red faced with hair to match, glared at the girl before turning his attention to Finn. “Anyway, it’s not safe running around this far from the village. I think I heard trolls.”

“That would be your grumbling stomach, mate,” Finn teased playfully, throwing an arm around his large friend’s shoulders, “there ain’t trolls in the Valle. Least not any that would dare go up against this lot.” Then with a look around, he added, “Where is Ean anyway?”

Just then, a blur of blue and red and purple dive-bombed between Finn and Colin, and soared back up, landing gracefully on a nearby branch. What was one moment a beautiful bird of rainbow colors transformed into an equally beautiful man, with brilliant cobalt eyes and smooth chestnut skin, swinging causally several feet above the ground.

“Honestly, Colin, I would never peck your eyes out,” the man insisted in false sincerity, “ Shit in your hair, maybe, but I wouldn’t get my talons messy.”

The group laughed easily and tension lifted. Finn stepped into his boots, wringing the last bit of water from his long hair. “Now that you two have caught up, lets head home,” and with a wink at Phe, added, “ If Collin’s right, we don’t wanna be caught at dusk with trolls running round.”

The four friends had gown up in the Valle, under the protection of the Light. Their life, up to this point, had been full of whimsical days and little pain. But they, too, felt the undercurrent of worry from the villagers. Something evil was lurking just beyond the Kingdoms walls and the tension was mounting. Finn knew Colin was apt to dramatics. But still, could there be trolls in the Valle? Or worse?

As they reached the edge of the village center, Phe stopped short, her arm raised, eyes flashing. “Something is wrong,” her tone was serious, a contrast to the light-hearted afternoon. All stopped, listening. The wail reached their ears before they came upon the scene. It was the unmistakable sound of despair. A guttural noise that filled the air with dread.

“Hurry,” was all Finn said and they ran toward the screaming.

Finn led the way, navigating the sea of confused and scared villagers with grim determination. When they reached the village center, they looked around, confused. Man and Donatai were huddled in small groups. Mothers were shielding children’s faces.

“What’s going on?” Colin asked. His pallid face did little to hide his fear.

Finn ignored his friend, scanning the faces in the crowd instead. Where is she? The gentle touch of a hand on his took him away from his thoughts. Phe was staring at him, her eyes sure.

“She’s safe, Finn,” she said quietly. He nodded once, believing her entirely.

“I can’t see anything from here, I’ll get closer,” Ean announced, and moments later a flash of color soared past as he flew above the mass of people. Minutes passed and Ean reapperaed. His face was a map of apprehension. "Poor soul,” he said, turning his face upward.

Finn gazed to the sky and his heart was an anvil. There, partially hidden among summer leaves of the tallest tree in village center, was the mangled and discarded body of a young boy.