Rundimahair: A new hero for a new adventure Larry Forkner (best ereader for pc TXT) 📖

Before the creatures could completely close the circle, a blur of vicious, soaring power rushed past her. It struck the warrior closest to her with so much force that it was decapitated from the blow. Before the bloody behemoth hit the ground, two more of the monsters fell in a bloody heap.

Ailbe stood in shocked silence, when she recognized Sean standing over the dead creatures with a bloody, curved sword in his hand. Before she could react, she felt something very powerful sweep her and Aengus to the far side of the battle zone.

They both stared in joyous wonder at the familiar face of their old friend and leader, Eamon. “Here, take this and use both barrels. Aim it at their ugly faces if they come at ye,” he said.

Eamon pushed a double-barreled shotgun into Aengus’ hands. He also handed him a handful of shotgun shells. Sean smiled just before he turned back to the fight. “Aengus, if your jaw drops any closer to the ground, you’ll likely trip over it. Surely you didn’t think we’d leave you to have all the fun.”

Before Aengus could gather his wits well enough to answer, Eamon drew a large deadly blade and returned to the fight.

Ailbe’s eyes were locked on Sean during the deadly struggle. He moved like a whirlwind full of raw power. At times he moved so quickly that she couldn’t be sure it was Sean she was looking at. It was truly just a blur of magical motion that cut back and forth across the hill top.

Ashling and Eamon were not far behind with their own efforts. Even though they were outnumbered four-to-one, they cut through the hideous warriors with deadly grace and speed.

One of the creatures managed to break free and rush at Aengus and Albie, probably hoping to at least kill the two they’d followed all night. Aengus waited calmly until the ugly giant was almost upon them, before bringing up the massive shotgun. He triggered both barrels, at point blank range, into the savage’s face. The force of the double shot took most of its head off, while knocking it flat on its back. He watched it closely while reloading the shotgun. This one was out of the fight for good.

Aengus turned to look at Ailbe, wanting to be sure she was all right. She looked pale but managed a smile. He smiled back and said, “I know I shouldn’t have enjoyed that so much, but that was much more than passing satisfying.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Granda. Thanks for watching out for me.”

The one-sided battle was over quickly, with only the dark warriors to pay the price for starting a fight they couldn’t finish. It seemed as though Ashling, Sean and Eamon were almost unhappy when it ended so quickly.

“I suppose we could wait around to see if another dozen or so come by to check on their fallen comrades,” Ailbe said sarcastically. “It almost appears that you three wanted a better fight than you got.”

Eamon smiled and said, “Sure and it’s true that the lucky man who marries your dear Ailbe will have his hands full. Outside of my own dear, Ashling, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard such a quick and biting tongue.”

Ailbe ran forward and threw her arms around Eamon, as she said, “Sorry Eamon, Aengus often tells me that my mouth runs well ahead of my brain. The result is that I often speak first and think about what I said when it is too late.”

Eamon looked up at his old friend’s granddaughter and said, “Well said Ailbe. I must admit I’ve been guilty of that often enough—especially in me younger days.”

“I’ve seen and heard enough from both of you over the years to stand witness that you both were guilty of letting your tongue run well ahead of your brain. Now do you suppose we could stop jawing long enough to burn the evidence and get well away from here before help arrives?” Ashling asked.

“Took the words right out of my mouth, so you did,” Eamon said, while sheathing his sword.

An hour later they were on their way back to Rundimahair. The hilltop looked like a stray lightning bolt had kindled a flash fire before burning itself out. Not an unusual occurrence in this neck of the woods.

Ashling was relieved when they arrived home safely, but she wasn’t naïve enough to think they’d gotten away scot free. Grainne knew who was driving Aengus’ truck, and she knew where he must come from. Their deadly enemy had now narrowed her search down to a single state–or two at best–and time was running out for their beloved Rundimahair.

Chapter Fourteen

May the leprechauns be near you

To spread luck along your way.

~ Old Irish Saying ~

“Either they truly do have the ancient luck of the Irish running through their veins, or you are an abject simpleton who doesn’t possess the brain power to put his pants on the right way around,” Grainne said with deceptive cheerfulness. “Which is it?” she asked, smiling, even while her eyes narrowed dangerously.

Barock, one of Grainne’s finest captains, knew that look very well. He’d seen her use it on others who’d failed to carry out her commands. He also knew that if he didn’t tread carefully, his fate might be as terrifying as others who’d let her down.

“Well Grainne,” he said calmly, as he looked down at his blue jeans. “The zipper’s in the front, so I do know which way my paints go on. That means that they did have some good luck when our warriors attacked them.”

The smile disappeared from her face, and her beautiful, dark eyes were as cold as ice. “And what form did that luck take, Barock?”

“They were lucky no one informed me that the girl was a mover,” he said calmly.

“The teenager was a mover?” she asked, new interest sparkling in her eyes.

“Apparently not very strong yet. It was just enough to push her and the old