Isle of the Faeries

The First Race of the Trath

Since I'm not feeling to well today I figured I'd post another chapter. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, I've been writing for years but this is the first time I have put it out there for people to read. This book is currently completed and I am trying to edit as I post and I am working on the possibility of a sequel as well. :D

Sidhe mentioned in this Chapter:

Geancanach: Pronounced "Gan-cahn-ock" they are short and somewhat stout in appearance, with huge eyes and pointed ears and wings that seem too small for their bodies. They are the guardians of home hearths, and they crave the warmth of the fireside and are quite harmless to have around, although they do have a tendency to play pranks. They are never actually seen moving they just flit from one place to the next when you blink.

Kean

      Pooka are fast and this one is no different, it slides over the ground like a shadow. Eyes flashing it screams out trailing not too far behind us. It is only years of dealing with Sidhe Magic and the feel of Cinis beneath me that allows me to resist its call. Cinis calls a challenge back, I allow him to. He is proud and would rather fight the Pooka than run from it but I press him forward and he stretches out. He is like the currents of the ocean fast and unstoppable, water always wins.

      We outdistance our opponent easily, pulling father away with each stride. I glance back, the Pooka has given up the chase; there is easier prey on the island.

      Cinis prances and snorts his way into Allard Yard invigorated by the race through the darkness, a skirmish in preparation for tomorrow night. He stills when I ask him to so I can dismount and lead him into the barn. It is dark and all the other employees have gone home, rushing to get their work done before the sun sets. I flick on some of the lights as I go by, the sleepy horses start when Cinis clops by their stalls but they are used to his presence and quickly settle back down.

      Once he is settled for the night I start down the aisle checking on the horses that are in training while I shut off the lights. I shut the big sliding door behind me turning the iron lock, I turn to find a tall shadowy figure about twenty feet away.

      I pay him no mind and begin down the path toward home; I know he will follow me. And he does. I hear his steps trailing mine, I smell him, all heat and smoldering wood, he smells like fire, like my nostrils are scorched. Soon he is beside me matching me step for step, I will not look at him, I will not invite the conversations we have had on countless occasions; he will have to be the first to speak.

      He does not disappoint, "Hello brother," his voice is like crackling flames.

      I do not spare him a glance, "You are not my brother."

      "I am as good as your brother, I who was there for you when your world fell."

      Annoyance thrills down my spine but I do not answer him.

      "I have been more than lenient it has been ten years, your tithe is three years overdue." We are almost to my house but he swings around in front of me stopping my progress. "You know what I ask for."

      I meet his eyes; they are flames, cunning and flickering with malevolence. "And you know my answer as you have thrice received it," I bite out. He want's Cinis. That is how the Sidhe work, they do you a 'favor' then collect in the worst way; they take what matters most to you. But I have avoided him for three years and I can avoid him for another twenty or more. I step around him "Ciná, you do not scare me." I walk up the path and through my door then turn to face him, he stands on my door mat glowering. He looks to be about my age, twenty or so but I know the truth, he is as old as the first flames of the earth; yet he cannot enter my house without permission.