Tír na nÓg

Tír na nÓg

The Dragon’s Sacrifice

Chapter One

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. Everyone thought they were extinct, wiped out during the Drochshaol, the Age of Sorrow. There was a sighting, just last week, however. Most in the village of Joktan dismissed it as an illusion inspired by too much wine. Until today.

Erin watched the commotion in the streets. Men were running everywhere to get weapons. Mothers called frantically the names of their children. The shopkeepers were busy pulling window shutters tight and working desperately to get their wares and produce inside.

The Dragon was back.

A farmer spotted it first. Appearing on the horizon like an ominous crow, the Dragon grew until in the farmer’s eyes he filled the sky. Fear transformed the old man into the wing-footed god Mercury as he sprinted to spread the alarm. Reaching the village mere seconds before the dragon came into view, his frantic warning cries at first went unheeded. More than a few thought the old farmer had a bit too much sun (or drink). Then the creature flew directly overhead and many more saw the monster. Then the panic began.

Erin didn’t get it. All this fuss over nothing. Once again, the dragon flew overhead. Once again it did nothing. Every eye in the little town watched the creature circle over the community in glorious splendor, then lazily soar back toward the mountains and disappear. The further the dragon flew from the village, the deeper and more audible the collective sigh of relief.

Erin sat watching from her perch in the loft of the village stables, shaking her head. In all her sixteen years she had never seen the Dragon actually hurt anyone. She had heard the stories, but Erin wasn’t sure she believed any of them. There were tales about how the Dragon burned entire villages with a single fiery breath. Many villagers claimed to have witnessed the Dragon carry off oxen, horses, even young maidens to its lair to devour. Erin never put much stock in these accounts, however. She’d experienced the talk of the village people herself, and she knew that the truth in such talk to be extremely rare, while cruelty was not.

Slowly the people began to emerge from their hiding, casting fearful glances toward the sky. Almost on cue, the people congregated around the porch of the village mayor, Tobias Stonebreaker. The crowd grew larger and soon the restless murmurs grew to a chant for the mayor to emerge. Just as the mob came close to getting ugly, the mayor stepped out.

Erin tried hard not to laugh, but the official looked ridiculous. He was a soft man having had way too much to eat with much too little to do. For the villagers benefit, however, he wore a suite of armor not intended for a person with his girth. The ill fit was in no place more evident than the helmet that pinched his face and neck, giving him flushed red skin. The whole outfit of armor, sword and shield was obviously manufactured for parade, not combat. The unintended effect was to make Tobias look rather ridiculous. Coming out from behind the mayor was his son Derek. Derek was taller than his father, and broader of shoulder. Many in the village thought him strikingly handsome. Erin thought he was handsome indeed. She also knew he could be vain, hard, and cruel.

“What are you going to do about the Dragon, Mayor?” One of the townsfolk demanded.

“Everything that can be done!” He responded quickly. He wanted to seize attention and keep the growing crowd in control.

“What you mean is that nothing can be done and that’s what you intend to do! Isn’t that right Mayor?” This comment sent a few chuckles and murmurs through the mob. Erin could not see who asked the question, but by the booming voice she knew it was the village blacksmith.

The mayor’s face drew tight and became even redder. He nervously licked his lips as the wheels of his mind turned frantically for a way to handle the situation. “And what would you have me do?” He bellowed out a question to answer the question. “I could send out the militia. Of course, that means you men would need to go out and engage the beast in battle! Who will be the first to volunteer?”

Tobias Stonebreaker looked over the crowd in mock disgust as no one stepped forward. “Just as I thought.” He smirked. “You want the Dragon dealt with but lack the courage yourselves. I don’t fear the monster, but I’m not a fool either. You are all aware of what happened to the village Sadam aren’t you?” The mayor took time for a dramatic pause before continuing. “They fought the Dragon and just the breath of its nostrils burned the whole village to cinders. No one escaped!”

Tobias Stonebreaker was well rehearsed at reading crowds. He waited sufficiently for the townspeople to mill this information over among themselves; waiting for it to have its full effect. “That’s right, the Dragon destroyed their army at a whim. Then he burned to cinders a whole village with a single breath.” The mayor’s voice was reaching a crescendo and the villagers eyes grew wide. “Men, women, children, all of them, snuffed out like a candle!” The crowd was silent, it was evident he had their full attention now. Inside he thought to himself, all too easy.

“No, my friends, the Dragon is something beyond the power of any one of us, or all of us to deal with. Go home now, GO ON! This is a problem that will require a unique solution. I need time to think; to conduct research and consult experts. But I can assure you if there is a solution to this dilemma, I will find it!”

Erin watched the mob begin to disperse. She quickly turned and jumped from the loft where she was hiding to a stall filled with fodder. Scrambling out of the straw, she made a mad dash for the back door of the stable. Her presence in the loft was not for the purpose of hiding from the Dragon; she ran there to get away from the mayor’s son Derek.

Derek had first approached her about a year ago and she refused him. However, he was a proud young man and used to getting his way. Erin had grown up with Derek, schooled with him. She always knew him to be kind to a fashion, but only when it served his purpose. Those he couldn’t make use of he treated with scorn and contempt. No matter how handsome he was, or prominent his family, there was just no way Erin could encourage such advances. She could never love him. In fact, his advances left her rather puzzled. Her Grandfather was poor, and there was very little in way of a dowry. Erin was rather pretty, but there were other girls just as pretty who had richer fathers.

Derek had cornered her today, and Erin shuddered at the memory of the encounter. He was very self-assured and spoke as though he had a great deal of affection for her. However, his promises seemed to hold veiled threats. Derek had backed her up against a wall, placing strong arms on either side to prevent her escape.

“Have you been avoiding me, Erin?” He asked with a smirk. “Don’t you know how much I care for you?”

Erin didn’t answer, but rather struggled to get under Derek’s arms. In her struggles he only laughed. That’s when the dragon flew overhead. Derek’s eyes grew wide as the creature’s shadow covered them. He ducked and cowered down, giving Erin opportunity to slip away and run, and so find sanctuary in the stable. If for no other reason, Erin found it hard to hold feelings of hatred or fear for the dragon; the timing of his appearance made it seem almost as if he had delivered her.

Running home Erin tried to think of what she could tell her grandfather about the situation. He was a very kindly, gentle man, but could become angry and protective where the welfare of loved ones was concerned. She did not have to wonder long, as she burst through the door Grandpa Cormac was waiting for her.

“Ah, Erin, how are you daughter? Did you bring home the things we needed from the market?”

“No Grandpa, there was a lot of excitement in the village today, the shops closed up, people were running everywhere, I guess I forgot why I went in.” This small lie made Erin’s heart and conscience race. She had not forgotten, but she wanted to leave the village before having another encounter with Derek.

“How unlike you child to forget something so important, what shall we have for supper?” Erin’s Grandfather let his displeasure show but a moment, and then his face quickly softened. “I suppose all the fuss was over the appearance of the dragon. He flew right over the fields where I was working today! All the others threw down their tools and ran for cover. I decided if that creature wanted this old bag of bones for supper, he must really be desperate for a meal, so I kept on working.” Erin’s Grandfather paused in thought as though something besides his story was on his mind. Suddenly he came out of his thoughts, smiled and continued. “It’s funny how folks can be so afraid of something that has never truly hurt anyone. I don’t doubt the dragon could mind you, it’s very large and looks incredibly strong, but in truth has never harmed a soul to my knowledge. But if I know anything about people, when the beast flew overhead, most of the town scurried about looking for a place to hide. Then after it was gone, they had a meeting, and the mayor made a speech about the terribleness of dragons.” Then Cormac changed his voice into a perfect mimic of Tobias, “This is a complicated issue, but rest assured that I am diligently researching to find a viable solution.” Then removing the haughty air, he resumed with his normal voice, “Is that an accurate account of the speech?”

Erin cracked a smile, “Yes Grandpa.”

“Don’t you ever get caught up in people’s fears and suspicions Erin, do you hear me? Was the Mayor wearing the black armor?”

Now Erin laughed. “Yes Grandpa!”

“Ha, I knew it! That old fool knows better than anyone the value of putting up a good front, no matter how false.” Her grandfather’s sparkling gray eyes, surrounded by hundreds of laugh lines, stopped smiling and suddenly became somber. Grandpa started fidgeting with nails in the pocket of his cloak. Erin knew this meant he wanted to speak to her about something that made him uncomfortable. After a moment of awkward silence, he finally spoke what was really on his mind. “Speaking of our friend the mayor, he was here today.

Erin felt her Grandfather’s undimmed eye upon her. She knew his keen sight would not miss any sign of fear. How could she hide what she truly felt? Much more than simple fear, she felt revulsion and horror! How could she tell him however, her greatest fear was for this gentle, kind man. Fighting to control everything she felt she turned her back to her grandfather and did her best to sound casual in reply, “The Mayor? Why was he here?”

“Don’t you know Dear? That’s funny, after what Tobias said today, I thought you would. The mayor was here to discuss marriage, a match between you and Derek.” Cormac watched Erin’s back suddenly stiffen and he knew the answer to several of his questions. “He insisted the two of you are madly in love. As foolish as that may sound, he said. How did he say it, ahh yes, I tried to tell my son he needed to marry a girl of a more prominent family! But who can dissuade young hearts in love? So, he says, if it will make my son happy, even without a dowry, I would like your daughter to marry my son. Quite a catch for her, and you have the security of knowing your granddaughter will be well cared for after you are gone. But I said, I must talk to you, because this was all a surprise. Surely, I said, my Erin would never keep something so important from her Grandpa.”

Erin gave her grandfather a side ward glance and she could see the slight upturn of his bushy eyebrows. She knew this was the closest she would come to a rebuke in this matter. “Yes grandpa, Derek has been making advances. I spurned him.”

“So you are not madly in love as the mayor claims?”

“Derek does not love me. He only seeks to claim what for some unknown reason he now finds useful.” Erin let her mind wander back a short three years ago. Derek needed help passing Yeshiva, the right of passage. Yeshiva was a series of questions concerning their people’s ordinances, and Laws. The law of their people was vast, and passage required a great deal of study. That was when to everyone’s surprise Derek began paying attention to little Adah. Adah was a friend of Erin’s, considered by most to be sweet, but very plain looking. Adah intimidated most of the boys at the school because of her intelligence. From Derek she had always only received scorn. So, she was thrilled when Derek began paying attention to her. Of course, she would help him prepare for Yeshiva. She was just beginning to feel good about herself when Derek passed his test. It was not enough for him to stop seeing her, Derek made it a point to humiliate her in front of everyone.

“Grandpa, I don’t know why Derek has chosen me for these advances, but he does not love me. Even when he speaks of his love for me, I feel veiled threats behind his words.”

Cormac said nothing for a few moments, but simply jingled the nails in his pocket while his eyes were closed deep in thought. When at last he spoke, it seemed to change the subject. “After this harvest Jubilee comes.”

“Jubilee Grandpa?”

“Yes child. You are too young to remember, Jubilee comes only once every fifty years.”

“I remember Jubilee from my studies Grandpa.” Erin waited for her grandfather to explain why he brought Jubilee up. She knew he was thinking and that he would explain in time.

“Our family has seen much sorrow child. The plague took your grandmother, your mother & father as well, leaving for me, and you, nothing but sorrow.”

Erin threw her arms around her grandfather’s neck and kissed a tear that was on his cheek. “Grandfather, you have been better than a Mamma and Papa to me. I have been very happy”

“I am sorry you have so few memories of your father. He was such a good man. No father could be prouder of his son. And your mother was beautiful and good, just as you are. If this Derek does not love you for who you are, he is a bigger fool than his father the mayor.” Grandfather warmly returned Erin’s embrace for a moment than released her.

“Never mind about the market today child. It has been too long since I have been to the village. You stay here and see if you can’t find something to fix for supper, so it will be ready when I return.”

“Grandpa, there is no need to go to the village, I will go. It is my fault and silliness that I did not get what was needed, you stay here and rest.”

Grandfather gently pulled Erin’s head forward and kissed her forehead. “Child, you have suffered too much protecting me. Don’t you worry, I will be all right. Now, you see if you can’t find something for supper, I’ll be home shortly.

Erin watched Cormac as he went out the door of their small cottage, his shoulders sagging under the weight of worry. As she watched him leave, she wondered, what was really on her grandfather’s mind. Erin searched her memory for details concerning Jubilee. Among all Jeshurun’s people, lands had been assigned to families, and were to remain among the clans. Sometimes, a family had to sell some of their land to pay debts. When times were very hard, some even had to sell themselves into service. But in the year of Jubilee, all debts were forgiven. indentured servants were released from service, and lands returned to their original families This practice was meant to prevent families from staying in poverty. Because they would always have their land returned to them, Jubilee ensured the poor opportunity to escape misfortune. In theory this was true, but many times the wealthy and powerful would attempt to forget about this year of redemption. Erin knew many families who have been denied the right to return to their lands. For them, Jubilee never came.

Erin watched her grandfather as he slowly walked the path to the village. She couldn't help but wonder, “Why did you bring up Jubilee Grandpa?”

Jephthah the liberator and lawgiver was ornately carved and plated in precious metals, on the door of the mayor’s home. The flaunted wealth on display far exceeded the value of Cormac’s entire home. For many in the poor village of Joktan, simply to have a door was a sign of affluence. Most of the homes had hides or reeds stretched across a wooden frame. Cormac gave a few firm taps on the heavy oak door’s brass knocker and waited. In moments a servant came in response. Cormac recognized Elizabeth, a young lady a few years younger than Erin. Besides her mother, young Beth was the only female in the village with such striking auburn hair. Elizabeth also had something even her mother did not, tranquil green eyes.

“Grandfather Cormac, how nice to see you. Is Erin well?” Cormac noticed that while Elizabeth greeted him politely, the warmth and joy that always seemed such a part of her was washed from her countenance. Her presence here confirmed the rumor of financial trouble for her family.

“Erin is well daughter, thank you for asking. I trust your family is well?” Elizabeth did not verbally respond to this question, instead the color drained from her cheeks as she politely nodded. “Elizabeth, I needed a few moments of the mayor’s time, may I speak with him? We have some very important matters to discuss.”

The mayor’s voice boomed from the interior of the home, “Is that Cormac Ben Joseph? Send him in, send him in.”

Elizabeth took Cormac’s hat and coat and led him down a short hallway to a small parlor where the Mayor was sitting. “Elizabeth, please bring us some tea. Have a seat Cormac.”

Cormac interrupted quickly, “That won’t be necessary Elizabeth, I will only be staying a few moments.” Cormac waited a moment for Elizabeth to leave, “I will get right to the point Tobias, there will be no match between Derek and my Erin.”

“But Cormac, why? They would make a lovely couple, and Erin is never going to find another person of means, especially since she has no dowry. My Derek is handsome and has the resources to care for her.”

“She has no Dowry,” Cormac replied, “but she soon will have lands, of course that is not news to you.”

“Cormac, I don't understand, she has lost her...”

“Tobias, I am neither a fool, nor yet daft. I know that Jubilee comes, and the lands that would have gone to Nathaniel my son will now be passed down to Erin. Nor have I forgotten that Nathan's land was sold to your family to pay debts. At Jubilee, all those lands must be returned to Erin.”

“How will she care for the land Cormac? You are old, you cannot manage the land for her. How will you plant the land? I doubt that you have the money to even purchase seed. If the girl married Derek, we have plenty of money to purchase seed, to hire laborers, Erin wouldn't even have to work. She could live a life of ease; she would be well cared for.”

“Would she? I have seen many examples of what your son considers well cared for. His cruelty is evident to all who watch his treatment of servants, oxen, even his horse. A man who is cruel to an animal that serves him faithfully is likely to be cruel to any creature unfortunate enough to be perceived within his power to control. But, regardless of how she would be treated, the simple fact is she does not love your son and I will not force her into any arraignment of such consequence without her consent.”

The mayor looked at Cormac with a hard cold stare. “What is this world coming to when a child dictates to the adult matters of such importance. I can promise you this, this, foolishness of being ruled by the whims of a foolish young girl will be your family’s ruin. I will give you until the planter’s equinox to reconsider, but after that you will just have to live with the consequences of your absolute folly.” As a way to announce the finality of the last pronouncement and the end of the interview the mayor called out, “Elizabeth? Can you locate Cormac’s hat and coat, His audience with me is finished, and he must be going now.” Then the Mayor simply turned his back to Cormac as though he was no longer in the room, or of any consequence.

Elizabeth entered the room with Cormac, but as she handed him his hat her eyes were downcast. She murmured, “I’m sorry you have to leave so soon Grandfather.” Cormac placed his hand gently under her chin and lifter her face so he could look into her eyes, and gently acknowledge her sorrow, “and I am sorry daughter that you must stay. Erin and I will pray for your family’s better fortune.” Cormac then turned to go after leaving the scared young woman a smile from his eyes, and a gentle pat on her shoulder.

Erin and Cormac made the way through the village streets on their way to the Mayor's home. A town meeting had been called and many believed the Mayor intended to announce his dragon solution.

“What I don't understand Grandpa is why do we need a "solution" for what has never been a problem?”

“Hysteria, young lady, is good for politics. So, if no crisis exists, it proves best to manufacture one. That way people don’t pay attention to real problems that politicians could do something about but won’t. Now the real reason we should all be gathering here today is to discuss the harm the mayor’s taxes are causing everyone. But, if we are all worried about a dragon, that has never harmed anyone, he hopes we won’t notice families losing land because they can’t pay the tax. Or worse, that people will notice who is taking possession of lands lost due to the high tax.

Cormac noticed Erin’s back suddenly stiffen in fright and looked up the street to see Derek walking towards them. So he gently placed his arm in front of Erin protectively. Seeing this Derek laughed.

“No need to hide your Grandchild old man, I mean neither of you any harm. May I speak to Erin?”

“You may speak to me, but I don’t see the point, I pretty much said all that needed to be said to your father the mayor. Perhaps I did not make myself clear?”

“No, you were perfectly clear old man, but it is also clear you were addle-brained. Perhaps suffering from sun stroke on that day, I wanted to ask if you are thinking any more clearly. Surely you don’t believe your homely dowry-poor granddaughter could do better than I for a husband?”

“What I believe is that you wouldn’t be a capable caretaker for a dog or a pig, so why should I entrust you with my Erin?”

Derek stood in front of Cormac blocking his passage. Giving a knowing, menacing smile, he responded, “I think that in a few minutes you will be begging me to take your daughter, but I fear already my benevolence and charity may be waning.” With that he turned his back and moved up the street, towards his father the mayor’s house.

Cormac watched Derek leave, Erin could tell by the distant look in his eyes, and by the way he stroked his beard her grandpa was worried. “Erin dear, I really don’t see a need for you to go to this meeting, why don’t you return home and see to our supper. I will be home as quick as I can.”

“Grandfather, I can see this meeting troubles you,” she replied. “But I’m a grown woman now, and you can’t protect me forever. Whatever the lord Mayor has planned, I’d rather we face it together.”

They continued on in silence and approached the small crowd gathered around the mayor’s residence. The massive man who was the town blacksmith acknowledged their presence with a gentle nod. No one else noted their arrival since everyone else was focused on the elaborate door. The wait wasn’t long, a short moment after Erin and Cormac arrived, the mayor came out, followed by the village priest. The holy man’s unexpected arrival seemed to trigger an agitated reaction as persons in the small crowd started talking in whispered voices.

Cormac started taking stock of the households present and noted almost all the families present had teenage daughters. Except the blacksmith. He just showed up at these meetings for a chance to jerk the mayor’s chain.

The mayor raised his hand so to quiet an expectant crowd, and began his brief speech, “People of Joktan, as you know the dragon made yet another threatening encroachment upon our safety just the other day. While it is true, no one was hurt, . .”

“Except the mayor, while putting on his armor!” Bellowed the Blacksmith sarcastically.

“And while it is true no one was hurt,” the mayor continued, a slight rise in his voice betraying his annoyance. “It is only a matter of time until disaster strikes that threatens the lives and livelihoods of us all. I promised everyone on that day I would conduct research seeking the best possible solution to our problem, that would also serve the interests of as many families in our village as possible. When I consulted Father Cavan, together we discovered a possible solution. I will let the good Pastor explain.”

The distinguished holy man spoke through his prominent (some said gargantuan) nose in a high squeaky voice that made his listeners wince. “People of Joktan,” he began. “An extensive search of El’s law was fruitless, so other ancient documents were consulted.”

“This can’t be good,” Grandpa Cormac whispered.

“An ancient scroll from Nathair the Watcher and Serpent of the First Age,” the priest continued, “Provides guidance concerning the appeasement of dragons. If a virgin daughter of the people offers herself willingly; at mid-day of the Planter’s Equinox, the great serpent will be appeased for one full year.”

The solution was met with slightly less than grateful enthusiasm. The mayor wondered why the parents present were all looking at the ground. When he discerned, they were looking for rocks he decided intervention was needed quickly before hostility started launching stone missiles. “People of Joktan, you may not like this solution, but I am certain you would like the alternatives even less! We are talking about the tragic loss of one family’s daughter. One less mouth to feed to put it bluntly. If this serpent is engaged in battle, how many much more valuable sons will be lost? What will be the likely result? An angry provoked dragon that will burn our entire village to ash! When considering the alternatives what other choice do we have?”

“How about not fretting about a creature that has never harmed a hair on anyone’s head in any of our lifetime’s?” Grandpa Cormac suggested.

“With all due respect to Cormac’s great age,” the mayor condescended, “White hair is not synonymous with wisdom. Have you already forgotten what I told you of the city of Sadam? A Much larger community. They had a standing army, not a constable and a few deputies. To no avail. Their army vanquished, the few survivors fled for their lives, only a few fortunate ones left to share the tale. . .”

“And I’m sure these fortunate one’s are willing to share their amazing tale for the small price of a pint,” bellowed the blacksmith. “And no one sharing a scary tale in a tavern ever stretched the truth.”

“My source is beyond question fool!” Bellowed the mayor in a rare display of emotion. Quickly restoring his calm demeaner, he continued. “It grieves me that this mercy is met with such disdain. It matters not, the equinox is less than a week away. Tomorrow at mid-day, lots will be cast to determine which family will be asked to honorably provide a precious gift to the community. I realize some families may refuse this honor and flee. Those who so choose will forfeit land and property.”

On that note, the mayor and his priest made a hasty retreat behind his very thick, metal plated oak door. The villagers displayed their love and support for the mayor’s solution with loud imaginative names, and offerings of over-ripe fruit blessed with velocity splattered against the ornate enclosure.