Irish Truth: The Irish Treasures Saga, #4

By Amanda Meredith

Long ago, before men came to the shores of Ireland, there lived a race of gods who fought a great evil to keep their island from sinking into the sea. Knowing men were destined to rule the land they loved, the gods created four great treasures to guard their beloved isle should the great evil rise to destroy it once more. Thousands of years would come to pass before the treasures were needed, before man would have to fight, to save Ireland from destruction.

When Erin Whitney came to Ireland to write about a Celtic myth she wasn't expecting to be catapulted into an ancient battle of good and evil, or to fall in love with the aloof Ian MacQuill. She struggles to find a balance of her past and future but the secret she brings with her from Russia can change everything.

Ian MacQuill is finally coming to terms with his past when he finds a mysterious gypsy living in his home. Who she is to the world, and to him, brings his past troubles home again. He doesn't want to fall in love, if only for the risk of losing what he finds all over again, but fate has other ideas in mind.

Will Erin lose her stubborn pride before the world around them falls apart? Can Ian open his wounded heart to love before he loses the woman capable of healing it? Can they come together to save the world, and each other?

With a mix of magic, suspense and plenty of romance, Irish Truth will take you on a journey that turns myth into reality and proves that love was the answer all along.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Meredith
• Release date: Jul 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514306765

Amanda Meredith

I was born in Bay City, Texas in 1985 but grew up in a small town in Central Illinois. My husband and I have three children and now live in Colorado. From an early age, I was passionate about the written word. I LOVE to write. Romance, to be specific. I love the happily ever after that, I believe, everyone deserves. My stories aren't the 'stop and smell the roses' type romances. While I believe everyone deserves happiness and true love, I know that sometimes you have to walk a hard road to find it. Those are the types of stories I like to write. The happily ever after that wasn't found: It was earned. I work to earn mine on a daily basis and so do my characters.  When I'm not writing, I ride horses, play acoustic guitar, sing, read like I get paid for it, and support a rather distracting addiction to Pinterest.  I love to cook, which combined with my pinning addiction, leads to many experiments foisted on my unsuspecting husband and kids, with mostly good results

Book preview

Epilogue

Prologue

The sorcerer stepped out of the shadow of the trees and looked at the circle of stones, like a warrior sizing up an army before him. The ten stones, all equal in height and distance from the next, appeared freshly cut, though he knew they’d been there long before men had stepped foot on the island. The space within the circle was full of green grass, waving gently in the breeze. The air seemed to tremble with an invisible force.

Magic.

The sorcerer could feel the power as he took a step towards the circle. He paused outside it and reached out to touch a stone. It was warm, and as his fingers touched, he could feel the spark of power on his skin. He took a deep breath, desire to enter the sacred place filling him, but he stopped as the air within it crackled.

"Why do you hesitate, Amergin of the White Knee?" the voice, full of power and wisdom he dared not understand, also held a hint of humor.

My lady, he murmured and bowed low to the goddess, who stood, facing him in the center of the circle. She was beautiful, in a way no mortal woman could ever hope to achieve. The air around her seemed to glow and vibrate.

"Are you afraid to enter, Sorcerer?"

No, my lady, he answered before lifting his chin and stepping between the stones. The power that hit him was not an attack, but a warm blanket that wrapped around his body. He let out the breath he had been holding as the power coursed through him, erasing his doubts.

"You did not answer my first question," the goddess murmured as he stopped before her.

My lady, he repeated, and wanting to prove he was not afraid, took her hand and brought it to his lips, a custom common with the men of earth. The goddess raised an eyebrow but allowed him to kiss her skin. His lips tingled and he resisted the urge to smile against her warm flesh. Mortals were forbidden to touch a goddess, it was said, upon pain of death. I hesitated only to give the circle the respect it is due.

"Surely it is, the goddess replied with a smile. She hadn’t pulled her hand from his and he risked a small smile. Such respect is one of the reasons I have chosen you."

Chosen me, my lady? His voice trembled as he spoke and he cleared his throat. He would not look shaken before a goddess, particularly this one. May I inquire as to what I have been chosen for?

"Many things, Amergin." She smiled at him as if she were only a woman and not a goddess. His fingers twitched as he forced his racing heart to slow.

I would ask you to be more specific, my lady, he whispered.

"Would you? she murmured, reaching up to touch his face. The skin warmed where her fingers touched. I think in this matter... She stepped closer to him as she spoke until her breasts pressed against his chest. I have been specific enough." His body trembled as she spoke and he stopped himself from reaching up to grab her arms.

I would dare not touch a goddess in such a matter, he told her, and this time, could not hide the tremor in his voice. He had just lied to a goddess. He had seen her many times, consulting with the High Kings, standing guard over the battlefield. Every time he had seen her, he had desired to touch her pale and luminous skin. Such things are forbidden.

"Most assuredly, she seemed to purr. Unless..." She smiled seductively. "The goddess permits it." He was thankful his long robes hid his legs, as his knees nearly buckled.

My lady, he whispered. Such things were not to be believed. He had no right, a lowly mortal as he was, to touch a goddess in such a way.

"I am called Ernmas," she murmured.

You are the mother... he trailed off, bowing his head again. The goddess laughed and tilted his head back up to look at her.

"I am the mother of the goddesses you now call queens," she finished for him and smiled when he nodded. "Are you afraid to touch me, Amergin of the White Knee?"

He needed no other prodding. He brought his lips to hers, groaning as her power swelled within him. He took her to the ground, pulling her dress up as he ravished her mouth. The light within the circle brightened as his hands pulled her bodice down, exposing her breasts. Her hands, warm with power, lifted his robes, and he hissed out a breath when her fingers grasped his manhood. He growled with desire as she guided him to the apex of her legs. He thrust into her and the light within the circle blinded him. Power swelled within the circle of stones as he mated with the mother goddess.

When the power receded, he held the goddess in his arms, though at that moment she felt only woman, lying content against his chest. She sighed and curled her head into his shoulder as the light faded. He tried to calm his racing heart, but the knowledge of what he had just done kept it pounding within his chest.

"Are the gods capable of love, Ernmas?" he questioned softly. Her name tasted like honey on his lips.

"As much as any mortal," she murmured, running playful fingers along his chest.

This mortal loves you, more than any mortal should. His voice was rough and her fingers stilled.

"This goddess loves her mortal much the same," she murmured.

You have watched me for some time now.

"I have, she answered. Through all the battles and journeys, I have longed for you, Sorcerer."

Why? The question hung on the air and the goddess sighed before pulling away from him. She stood, not a hair out of place and waited for him to rise.

"You were worthy, she answered with a small smile as he stood facing her. Such love for mortals does not go without consequence, she murmured. I did not wish to burden you if you were unprepared."

"You said you chose me for many things, Ernmas, he murmured, pulling her close to him again. Love is not only what you speak of."

"No, she answered, her smile leaving. You have proven yourself worthy to not only risk the love of a goddess, she told him. But for another task, far more difficult and dangerous."

You have only to ask, my lady, he answered. She smiled again and reached to touch his cheek.

"That is why you are worthy, Amergin. She stepped away from him then and held her hand up to stop him when he moved to follow her. You have proven yourself to be full of truth and valor, Amergin of the White Knee. Darkness has been exiled from the land, as well you know, but it is not wholly defeated. My daughters have chosen to leave their realm, for the one of earth, with the mortals they love, and the children they have made, to guard the fate of those who inhabit here."

"I would not ask you to leave your realm, Ernmas," he interrupted. She smiled again before answering.

"Your love is strong, Amergin. As is your willingness to sacrifice for what is right. I cannot leave the realm of the gods as my daughters have chosen, no matter how much I may desire. I must ask something of you that requires great sacrifice. Perhaps greater a loss than never being able to touch me again."

"Ernmas..." He moved towards her again, her words filling him with fear, but she held up her hand again.

"Amergin of the White Knee, sorcerer, and bard. Favorite of my daughters, and counselor to the High Kings. I charge you, and all who follow in your line, as keepers of Lia Fáil. You are pure of heart and full of truth, as your children will be after you. She held her hands out, moving one above the other in a circle, as they filled with light. When she stilled, a diamond, bigger than any he had ever seen, lay glowing in her hand. This stone is not only a great treasure from the Golden Cities, Amergin, but a powerful weapon. It will cry out at the touch of a True King of the land. The one that brings its cry will hold the power to command the other treasures of light. This stone must never be spoken of with the High Kings, or my daughters. Its power is too great, the temptation to use it far too strong. You must guard it, Amergin, so the High Kings can remain united and true. The Fomóirí aren’t the only creatures of the many realms that desire it."

My lady. He swallowed, the weight of what she was asking sinking heavily in the pit of his stomach. "Ernmas. You cannot give me such a treasure. I am not worthy to guard it."

"It is because of this, you are made worthy. The stone can only be safe with one who does not desire its power. You, and those who follow, will have that trait."

"None will follow me, Ernmas, he protested. How could I ever love another after having you in my arms?"

"You will love, Amergin, though I regret it will never be as fully as you deserve. For the consequence of sharing in my love, is to never, in all your life, forget its power. For that I am sorry."

You’ve done nothing to be sorry for, he protested. Man, fate, even the gods, cannot control love.

The goddess smiled and spun the diamond in her palm. From her other hand she wove molten silver around the stone and into a long chain. She stepped towards him and placed the amulet over his head. It lay against his chest, still warm from her touch. She turned it over and used the tip of her finger to etch runes into the smooth metal.

Truth and love? he questioned softly.

"You cannot have one without the other, she answered. She took his hand and placed it over her womb. Your child will grow here, Amergin."

You cannot know that. His face paled as he spoke.

"I am the mother goddess, she replied, giving him a sly smile. Your line has begun, my love. From love and truth, she has been created, in truth and love, she will be born."

She? his voice shook. The goddess smiled and placed her hand on his cheek.

"She will carry your truth and love and hold my power within her. She cannot stay in my realm for long, as she shares mortal blood, only until she is weaned from my breast, then will I send her to you."

Send her to me? His face lost its color before growing red in anger. "You cannot leave, Ernmas. You cannot leave while my child grows within you."

"I must, Amergin, she replied sadly. I do not belong in this realm and cannot stay. She smiled when he wiped a tear from her face. It hardened into a small diamond on his finger. He cast it to the ground and took her face in his hands. You must take the stone, Amergin, she whispered. You must leave this land and leave your Kings. It is too soon after the Fomóirí’s defeat, the reign of the Kings too new. You must leave."

I cannot leave the service of my Kings.

"You must, Amergin. The fate of the world lies in that stone, and its safekeeping. She brought his hands from her face back to her belly. The fate of your line lies within me, my love. When she finds you, you must teach her all you know: truth, love, sacrifice, and honor. She must guard the stone with the same dedication as you have shown."

There must be another way, he protested weakly, wrapping his arms around her. There must be a way for us to stay together.

"There is not, she replied sadly. You have said the gods cannot control love, neither can we control fate. She sighed, a sound that twinkled around them, bouncing off the stones. I must return to my realm, Amergin, and you must leave this land."

The Kings...

"My daughters will explain, she answered. They will not question."

Where will I go?

"Far to the East, then North, she whispered, her eyes turning glassy. Across the seas, fording many rivers, to an untamed land of mountains and endless snow. To a place with forests of trees larger than you have ever seen. It is a cold and hard land that will see much turmoil through the years. Amergin closed his eyes against the images that were now swimming in his head. Trees of pine, weighing heavily with snow, an ice-choked river in a snow-covered valley, mountains so high the peaks were hidden among the clouds. This is where you must hide the stone. I will send your daughter to you there."

How will I know when she comes?

"I will send a sign in the night sky. It will signal the arrival of our child and remind you of my love. Forever after, the Northern sky will be colored with it."

"I love you, Ernmas," he whispered roughly, and pulled her to him. His lips crushed against hers and she sighed into them.

"As I love you, she murmured when his lips left hers. Look for the sign and for our child. Go in peace, Amergin, and know you carry the fate of the world against your heart."

The goddess disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the circle cold and empty. The amulet lay warm against his chest. He looked around the circle, hoping for some sign that he had dreamt the whole thing. He sighed to himself and left the stones, the amulet around his neck weighing heavily.

Chapter 1

Is she dead? the girl’s voice was soft, with just a hint of lyrical Irish.

She’s not dead, you dope, another voice, definitely a boy, answered with the same accent.

But she’s not moving, the girl complained.

Course she is, the boy answered. She’s breathing. See? Her knockers are moving.

Erin Whitney barely repressed a snort of laughter at that statement, and only held it back because she knew it would scare the two children that were making a case of her napping on the sofa.

Mummy says knockers is a bad word, the girl lectured.

I heard Da and Uncle Dermot say it once and they didn’t get in trouble, the boy explained. Why? Are you gonna tattle?

Nuh uh, the girl whispered reverently. What’s she doing then?

She’s sleeping, of course, the boy answered.

Can we wake her up?

How would you like it if you got woke up? The girl didn’t answer.

"Are you sure she’s not dead?" her voice was full of worry.

Aye, Evie, the boy complained. "I’m not an eejit."

Erin had guessed right. Morgan MacGreen had two young children. Braden was around nearing four and Evelyn, or Evie, as they called her, was two. She had known Morgan would be stopping by for a visit but had expected her to be alone. She didn’t mind the change of plans. Children were always so entertaining with the unexpected things that usually came from their mouths.

Erin made an over-exaggerated stretch and smiled when she heard the little girl gasp. The boy quickly hushed her and Erin slowly opened her eyes.

The children were adorable. Braden looked just like his mother, right down to the light blue eyes and blonde hair. Evelyn shared the blonde hair of her sibling but her large eyes were a beautiful gold, like her father.

"Zdravstvujtye," she murmured.

What’s that mean? Braden asked.

It’s how we say ‘hello’ in Russia, she replied with a smile.

What’s Russia? Evie asked as Erin sat up.

It’s a very large country to the East, where I am from.

Why are you in Ireland? Braden asked. He was not nearly as trusting as his sister was.

I came to visit, she answered, smiling at them. I am friends with your Aunt Maggie and she invited me.

Aunt Maggie was going to come with, Braden whispered. But she’s sleeping, and Liam’s sleeping, and Mummy didn’t want to wake them.

"Da, you should never wake a sleeping baby, or their tired mother."

Why’d you call him Da? Evie asked.

"Da means yes in Russian, Erin explained. Speaking of mothers, where is yours?"

She’s going potty, Evie giggled, making Erin snort out a laugh.

Evie, you can’t tell people someone is going potty, Braden lectured. "You have to say using the loo."

Loo’s a funny word, Evie complained. Mummy calls it bathroom. That sounds funnier.

Funnier’s not a word, Evie, Braden rolled his eyes.

Yeah huh! Evie protested, her chin trembling.

People call it different things in different places, Erin interrupted before Evie started crying. Your mother is American and they say bathroom, or even restroom. Your father is Irish, and they say loo or jacks.

Uncle Breandán says jacks, Evie giggled again, her tears forgotten.

In Russia it is just called the toilet. Evie was laughing loudly now and Braden had even cracked a smile. The door to the room under discussion opened and Morgan joined them.

Sorry, she explained. I seem to have to go every five minutes.

It is fine, Erin assured her with a smile. That is common when you are expecting. Morgan’s eyes widened.

Maggie said you were different, Morgan murmured. I didn’t realize she meant powerful.

"Da, Maggie likes to be mysterious, Erin replied. I am not surprised she didn’t explain. You are what, a few months along?"

Nearly three, Morgan answered, laying a hand on her stomach. I feel a lot further though. Twins this time. She chuckled and held out her hand. Anyway, I’m Morgan MacGreen. It’s nice to meet you, Erin.

And you as well, Erin answered before taking her hand. She sucked in a small breath at the shock she felt but a smile returned. You are quite powerful, Morgan. She murmured as she dropped her hand. So, what did Maggie tell you about me?

She just told me that you were a gypsy, and that I could trust you, Morgan answered. I wanted to know more but she’s been so busy with the baby, and very tired. We’ve been trying not to bug her too much.

Bug her? Erin had never heard that expression before.

Bother her, Morgan explained.

The birth was very difficult then?

Maggie hadn’t told you?

She’s been... Erin started with a frown. Evading the topic. I can usually see such things, but my vision has been cloudy.

"Are you a seer then as well?" Morgan questioned.

"Nyet, she answered. I am gypsy."

I have no idea what that means. Morgan chuckled. I can’t believe Maggie didn’t tell you anything.

I am also not believing, Erin muttered. "The Fomóirí had something to do with all of this, da?"

Oh, wow, Morgan muttered. "She didn’t tell you anything. Erin swore in Russian and Morgan chuckled again. She had no clue what Erin had said, but she got the feeling behind the words well enough. The night you called to talk about the book, back in September, I think, Erin nodded as Morgan explained. The Fomóirí took her right when she got off the phone with you."

She told me that much at least, Erin muttered. "She told me they defeated the Fomóirí, without going into any details and said she went into labor shortly after. Morgan groaned at those words and Erin raised her eyebrows. She lied to me?"

Not exactly, Morgan answered. But she wasn’t very truthful.

I knew it, Erin grumbled.

This is going to take a while. We’re going to need tea and food for this, Morgan sighed, getting up to go to the kitchen. The kids can play while we talk.

Chapter 2

Erin sat on the sofa watching Braden play with his sister while Morgan raided the kitchen cabinets. The toddler sat, enraptured by her older sibling, as he used his magic to make a unicorn prance around the beams of a rainbow. Erin smiled as she watched them, wishing for the first time, that she’d had a sibling to share such moments with as a child.

Morgan sat next to her, setting a tray of tea and scones on the table. She poured Erin a cup and handed it to her before pouring one for herself and grabbing a plate full of food. Erin chuckled and Morgan blushed as she bit into one with a moan.

So, you were telling me the truth of what happened, Erin prodded after taking a sip of her tea.

Yes, Morgan swallowed and set her plate back on the table. "Maggie went into labor as soon as the Fomóirí took her."

Of course, she did, Erin growled, her eyes flashing with anger.

Breandán got to the circle shortly after she was taken, but Maggie was hemorrhaging badly. Morgan shivered at the thought. The baby was coming, quicker than usual. Breandán delivered him on the ground inside the stones.

The child was born within the circle? Erin asked, curiosity filling her features.

Yes, Morgan answered. "But Maggie was still bleeding