In Name Only

By Jean Smith

On a beautiful sunny morning, Annie’s mum asks her to show Colin and Johnny around the campsite while they are there on holiday with their parents and are new to the area. The Peaceful Haven caravan site is on the outskirts of Newcastle County Down, overlooked by the beautiful mountains of Mourne. Johnny and Colin are both delighted to meet this beautiful girl and try to win her affections. They stroll along through the meadow when, suddenly, they are caught in a storm. They shelter under a big oak tree, but as the wind increases, the tree uproots itself, and they find themselves falling through a dark hole.

They come face-to-face with King Anthus and the little people. They are angry at strangers entering their village and for interrupting the festivities. The king tells them that he cannot send them back until the two moons become one, so he invites them into his home.

The king’s brother, Luxbrithe, insists on finding their birth deeds as proof, since he believes he is the firstborn, so he demands the king to search the villages where their father had hidden them.

Long ago, when Queen Elliana finds out that her handmaid is also having a baby, she decides to help the handmaid since she isn’t married. Sissy agrees to hand over her baby to the queen and tells the king that she has given birth to twin boys. The doctor and Sissy are both sworn to secrecy, and Sissy is delighted that she can be near her son, but when they turned three, the queen tells Sissy that she has to find different employment since the Queen didn’t want the boys to be dependent on Sissy. The queen’s son is named Anthus, and Sissie’s son is named Luxbrithe. The queen is told that she is dying, and she reveals the truth to the king. In order to protect the crown and Luxbrithe from ever finding out the truth, he hides the deeds in three villages.

After the death of the queen, the king asks Sissy to come back to the house to rear her son as her own, but she feels the guilt of changing his life, so she decides not to tell him, and she moves away.

In the present time, King Anthus goes in search of the deeds, and Annie, who is an expert in karate, offers her help, along with Johnny, a qualified doctor, and Colin, a student at the university. In their search, they fight the Zorries—half-breed of hogs and wild dogs—and the Witches, who are all helping Lizard, Luxbrithe’s son, to try and stop the king’s army from finding the deeds first.

Sissy gets to meet her son when Antana brings Luxbrithe to her home. He knows that she helped rear him when he was small, and he feels a close connection. Only when Antana comes back does she tell him her story, and he is sworn to secrecy. When he hears that Sissy is close to death, he brings Luxbrithe, and he holds her hand as she passes through the world. He has no idea the woman he has feelings for is his own mother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: May 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984589767

Jean Smith

I attended St Marys High School in Downpatrick that is where my interest for writing grew; I was thirteen when I entered a writing competition for a play I was lucky to win and my mum Maureen Mageean went with me to recording studio in England and it was screened on television in 1965, I worked in the catering trade which I loved and later on met my husband and we had a lovely son named Gary who married Michelle and they have given me three lovely grand children Rayan Shannon and Amy; I have continued writing through out the years and since retiring I now have the time to sit down and write.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

‘On a beautiful sunny morning Annie, is asked to show Colin and Johnny around Peaceful Havens caravan site which her mother owns,’ it lies on the outskirts of ‘Newcastle in Co Down’ where the mountains of Mourne look down to the sea; ‘Colin and Johnny are delighted to be in Annie’s company, the new entertainments room has a new disco area that’s just been added on recently, they decided to return through the meadow, and as they walk along a storm takes them by surprise!

They take shelter underneath the big oak tree which Annie believes belongs to the little people, the storm was growing stronger and they watched as the big oaks branches were shaking so hard that its roots where shooting upwards and then the ground give way and they all fell through the big black hole;

As the dust settles they meet the little people and King Anthus he is very angry that outsiders have entered his kingdom, he takes them to his home until he can return them home;

‘Luxbrithe the Kings’ brother is not happy that they are allowed to stay and he tells the king that he wants the deeds of his birth found before the next full moon;

‘The King explains that their father’ hid them for a very good reason;

‘Queen Elliana’ had only found out that her ‘handmaid was also carrying a baby’ and as she wasn’t married’ she decides to help her from being sent to the poor house’ by offering to rear both boys as her own, she told the King that she had given birth to twin boys and her loyal doctor was sworn to secrecy!

‘Sissy agrees to the Queens plan’ providing that she can help rear the boys, she is ‘sworn to secrecy’ and hands over her baby, ‘the Queens Son was called Anthus’ and ‘Zissis son was named Luxbrithe;’

‘The king only finds out the truth of his son’s birth when ‘Queen Elliana confesses on her death bed;’ He asks Sissy to tell her son ‘Luxbrithe the truth,’ she cannot bear to take away the only life he has known, just because she wishes him to know that he is her son! ‘She decides not to tell him;’

‘The King then decides to hide the birth deeds’ to protect Luxbrithe from ever finding out the truth, but also to make sure that ‘Anthus who was born of royal blood would be crowned king;’

‘Luxbrithe has always felt different to his brother the King’ and has asked to see his ‘birth deeds,’ he wanted proof as to he who was!

‘King Anthus explained to his son Padwig’ that the three outsiders who had entered their village would have to wait until the next ‘two full moons become one before they could return;’ So the ‘Annie Colin and Johnny’ offer their help to the King to help ‘fight the Zorries and witches’ in order to locate the deeds;

‘Luxbrithe meets Sissy his birth mother’ and he finds that he has a close bond, ‘Sissy lies on her death bed’ and Antana who has sworn never to reveal the truth of his birth brings him to say goodbye to his mother! Luxbrithe has no idea that she is his birth mother as he holds her hand as she quietly slips away;

CHAPTER ONE

‘Run to the big oak! I shouted as the rain came pelting down;

‘Where did this storm come from? Annie!’ Colin said as they sheltered under the branches of the tree; they had all gone for a walk through the meadow, and now they were caught out by the storm;

‘Here’ take these it will help you stay dry’ I said handing them the handy macs’ and as the lighting lit up the sky the thunder unnerved us all;

‘Are you sure’ we are okay sitting here! He asked? As he zipped his rain coat up under his chin; I can feel the ground moving;

‘My God’ you’re right it is moving!’ I shouted, feeling scared;

The wind was growing stronger and the big tree moaned and groaned as the wind pushed hard against its branches;

‘My God! ‘Look the roots’. ‘They are shooting out of the ground! Shouted Johnny as he took hold of my hand!

‘We should go back’ Colin said, as he tried to stand up, but the wind and rain were pushing him back down;

‘We have no choice’ but to shelter here, I answered, wishing that I was safe at home, but I was glad Johnny was holding my hand;

‘Look’ the tree is almost touching the ground, it’s going to break! Yelled Colin;

Then an almighty crackle of thunder filled the air making us all cringe with fear;

We waited helplessly as the roots of the tree were being pulled out against their will, and the branches spread themselves wide as if protecting their young; The big oak tree shook its strong branches, and then as if by magic the ground opened up and we found ourselves falling through a black hole into the pit of darkness;

I stood up and dusted down my clothes; I could heard music playing, it was so loud I could barely hear myself think;

‘My God’ what on earth just happened?’ Said Colin just as he noticed the little people dancing in tune with the music, his jaw dropped opened with surprise;

‘Stone the crows’ Shouted Johnny, the music suddenly stopped’ and all these strange faces stood staring up at him;

‘I couldn’t believe my eyes’ here I was face to face with the little people;

Colin and Johnny were staring down at the wee folk’ they were not quite believing what they were seeing’ tiny little houses sat so close that you could reach out and touch the chimney pots, the roads seem to stretch all the way over the hills; ‘the wee folk were walking up and down talking among themselves in a different language, they were not happy these strangers who had dared to enter their village, and interrupt the festivities;

‘I stood transfixed to the spot’, this was an unbelievable moment, ‘and everything stood out like a picture from a fairy tale book;’

‘An old man made his way up to the front and his two guards stood behind him,’ as he stepped forward, ‘I noted that he was wearing a long velvet red robe’ and on ‘top of his head he wore a crown’ it was sitting lopsided on his bald head, ‘I was trying not to giggle;’

‘How did you all get here’ the bewildered King roared up at her? He twisted his head to look up at three strangers;

‘We really don’t know what happened sir’ then quickly I realized my mistake when the King growled. ‘Sorry your majesty’ we were taking shelter from the storm and then the ground moved and we all fell through the black hole! ‘I told him in a nervous voice.’ ‘You are the little people! I declared’ ‘you do protect the tree in our meadow, don’t you!’ I asked excitedly?

‘We are not so little’ if you don’t mind! Replied the King grumpily, and it’s no business of yours who we are’ He said as he fixed his crown again, and then he lifted up his shoulders to make himself look bigger;

‘I am King Anthus O Connor’ He stated; ‘son of the great King of kings’ he said as he adjusted his crown; ‘The O Connors ruled this land for thousands of years, and we are called the little people by you beings who live on the other side of the tree,’ and we do not invite the likes of you into our kingdom for any reason.’

‘Your majesty’ I am Annie O Connor, and my family are descendants from the great ‘Rory O Connor’ born on this very land thousands of years ago. ‘Perhaps you have heard of him’ ‘I wished now I never had asked as I saw his reaction?’

‘Perhaps you’ve heard of him’ she asks me! He mimicked her! Making his people laugh; ‘Of course’ I know Rory! ‘He served me well’ a good man till the day he died! ‘And here you are telling me that you are related to him’ and am I expected to believe that you all fell through a hole in the ground! Asked the King?

‘That is the truth sir’ ‘your majesty’ I mean, Colin replied’ ‘my name is Colin Tweedy’ and this man ‘Johnny Donning’ and we really did fall through the hole sheltering from the rain, and the next thing we know is that we are standing here in front of you all;

‘You may have heard the story of the little people that guard the tree’ said the King; ‘well we are that O’Connor clan’ we protect the tree as it’s our safest way of travelling over to the other side, ‘we do cross over quite often’ only a few have seen us and those that have were usually very drunk, they then tell their story of seeing ‘leprechauns’ the King and his people laughed; ‘I have an army of men who guard my kingdom’ he said as he turned to face his people;

‘Carry on with the dancing’ he ordered;

‘As you can see’ He continued, ‘we are having our village fete today celebrating the start of the new moon’ it is a very important occasion, the two moons will become one and then my son will be crowned King’ ‘Come Let us sit’.

‘And please be careful where you put your feet and don’t thread on anyone’. He led us away from the dancing and over to the tables that were beside the wall, we did our best to avoid stamping on anyone or anything;

‘As you can see my kingdom is a beautiful place’ ‘The tall building over there’ he pointed out, ‘that is Woodlow House my home’ I looked up at the big house it looked like a tall sentry guarding the whole village; the King sat down and we all sat on the wall; ‘I conduct all my business from home’ he added;

‘Down through the years’ we fought to protect our people from outsiders such as your selves’ and some have fallen through the black hole just like you say you have done, but we found that they were not to be trusted they only wanted our gold. ‘But they got more than they bargained for’ when they tried escaping with their pockets full;

‘What did you do to them’’ Your majesty, Colin asked nervously;

‘When you steal from us’ you do not live to tell the tale ‘I cast a spell upon them and turn them into frogs or toads’ they remain like that for ever, ‘it is the only way to keep my kingdom safe’ the King said;

‘Is that what you are going to do to us’ Colin asked the King nervously;

‘I will think on it’ the King replied, ‘the black hole in which you all fell through must not have been closed properly after our last visit beyond the tree’ ‘I will find out who was responsible for not closing the stone, and they will find themselves banned from crossing to your side again’

Then the King turned to his people and raised his wand in the air he spoke in an ancient language;

‘I have told my people not to be afraid of you and that you will not harm them and as I can’t send you back until the full moon’ I will offer you my hospitality and invite you into my home’.

‘Have we shrunk’ asked Colin as he realized that he was now the same size as the wee folk?

‘Of course’ I have shrunk you all! The King answered him, ‘you would have trampled us to death and knocked down all our houses’ ‘there is a time difference between your world and mine’ we have two moons’ that’s because the sun sits higher in the sky making the time difference here longer’ ‘we only a few a few hours of darkness and a new moon here appears every week and that represents a day to you in our time;

I watched the little people danced and others were just watching us as most of them had never seen anyone from the other side before never mind us being in their village. They were full of curiosity about our style of clothing, we were dressed so different from them, and they all seemed excited and scared by our presence.

‘Stop talking everyone’ said the King, as he turned to speak to his people; ‘we have guests’ and that’s no way to behave towards them even if they are from the other side;

‘I know it’s the first time some of you have seen a stranger from beyond the tree’ these strangers tell me they read fairy tales from a book! ‘Written about us he laughed’.

‘These strangers will be gone when the full moon rises’ so there is need for you all to be worried! now everyone go back and enjoy your selves please, the King ordered, the music started up again and the dancing resumed;;

On entering the house I could see that the house was built of strong wood, a lovely pine scent filled the air, there were big torches lit high upon the walls cobwebs hung below them, even in the poor light I could see large spiders hard at work weaving their webs to catch their food, it give me the shivers at the thought of them, as I wasn’t keen on spiders;

The house was furnished beautifully, a fire burned in the opened grate giving the house a warm glow, the tables gleamed from the light of the torches lit along side the walls, and the floor was covered with different patterns of woollen rugs, portraits of their great ancestors hung proudly on the high walls; In the middle of the room was a long table and benches on both sides which could seat about twenty people, and a big chair at the top and at the bottom, the table was laden with food;

‘Gosh my stomach is rumbling’ whispered Colin quietly to me, as I also noticed the food on the table.

‘Didn’t realize how hungry I was’ I answered as I gazed over at the food;

‘Me too’ Johnny said eyeing the food also, ‘it’s been a while since we ate.’

Please sit down and help your selves to some food, King O Connor said, as he watched Colin licking his lips;

‘And while we are eating I will introduce you to my family; the King bit heavily into a big juicy chicken leg, his tongue licking the juices from his mouth.

‘My son Padwig’ the King introduced his son; and beside him is his lovely wife ‘Libell’ (She smiled at us) they have been blessed with two children the King said proudly, the boy is ‘Banacoff’ my grandson he said pointing to the boy who sat beside his mother, he is three, and that little one is ‘Lamba’ who was lying in her cot, a baby girl born to us at the last two moons;

And my son ‘Padwig will be crowned the next King of Woodlow’ when the next two full moons are one as I am in need of a much needed rest’ he said laughing, and this here is ‘Antana’ he said patting his shoulder who sat at his other side, ‘Padwigs cousin’ the pair of them forever getting into all kinds of trouble he stated;

‘I am Annie O Connor’ I said standing up! ‘And this is Johnny Donning’ he is a doctor of medicine, and this young man beside him is ‘Colin Tweedy’ he will be going to University in September to study science, they are both on holiday at Peaceful Haven with their families!

‘Peaceful Haven’ you say, I have visited your place many times over the years and I have seen you playing as a little girl beside the big oak; Antana told me;

‘You know where I live! I was astonished to hear that he was at my home and I never knew;

‘No one’ sees a Leprechaun by chance! He laughed out loud, ‘unless he wants you to see him for a reason, or maybe if he is too drunk and forgets to hide’.

‘Ever since I was