"How?"
Queen Maeve, her pink hair cascading over her shoulders, sat regally on her throne. With a flawless face and a goddess-like figure, her appearance alone could captivate armies. She crossed her legs and addressed the three powerful female bards standing before her.
"Do you have a way to break the magic cast by the druids of the Kingdom of Ulster?"
"Your Majesty," one bard stepped forward respectfully, "there is no need to fear the magic of Kesba, the head druid. We have numerous ways to neutralize its effects. However..."
"However, what?" Maeve raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
"The curse of the goddess Macha will cause the men of Ulster to endure the agony of childbirth for five days," another bard explained. "During this time, they will be powerless to fight. Yet..."
"Yet what?" Maeve pressed, her voice sharper now.
"Some men are immune to the curse." The third bard spoke, her tone grim. "Cu Chulainn, the Son of Light. Kevin, the Man of Miracles. And Connor, the druid's son. These three will lead the resistance against you, making your campaign far more difficult."
"Oh?" Maeve leaned back, her lips curving into a smile. "Are you telling me that despite uniting the armies of three great powers, I might fail because of three men? Even with the curse weakening Ulster's warriors?"
The bards exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.
Maeve chuckled, her laughter echoing through the hall. "If what you say is true, then my decision is all the more justified. Cu Chulainn and Kevin... If they are truly capable of stopping my army, how could I, Maeve, let such remarkable men slip away?"
She licked her lips, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "I want them even more now."
The bards bowed, understanding Maeve's determination. "If that is your wish, Your Majesty, we will do everything in our power to ensure your success."
...
Kevin and Cu Chulainn wasted no time after returning to the castle. Learning of the dire situation, they rushed to the chambers of Kesba, the Kingdom of Ulster's head druid.
The sight that greeted them was grim. Kesba lay pale and frail in bed, his face drawn and his breathing labored. Despite his condition, his eyes lit up when he saw the two young warriors.
"You're back," Kesba said, his voice raspy but warm. "It seems your journey was a success."
"Yes!" Cu Chulainn replied eagerly, motioning for Emer to enter.
Emer shyly stepped forward, her presence bringing a smile to Kesba's face.
"Ah, Cu Chulainn," the old druid said, his tone light despite his condition. "You've brought home a beautiful bride. You're a lucky man."
After a brief moment of joy, Kesba waved Cu Chulainn and Emer away, signaling that he wished to speak to Kevin alone.
When they were gone, Kesba turned to Kevin. "You look troubled, my boy."
Kevin hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Grandpa Kesba, you're not looking well. I can't help but worry."
The old druid chuckled, stroking his white beard. "I'll live a few more years yet, Kevin. What worries me more is the price we'll pay for this war. Many lives will be lost... far too many."
Kesba's expression turned somber. "And Lord Ruger still cannot intervene, can he?"
Kevin shook his head, his heart heavy.
"I see..." Kesba sighed deeply. "It's not his fault. Conchieber brought this upon himself when he killed a god."
Kevin's fists clenched. "Grandpa Kesba, what about the other druids and bards in the kingdom? Can't they help?"
"The druids and bards of Connacht are stronger than us," Kesba admitted. "When the battle begins, all we can do is put the cursed men into a deep sleep and hope to endure until the five days are over."
He fixed Kevin with a serious gaze. "Until then, the kingdom's fate will rest on your shoulders, Kevin. Yours and Cu Chulainn's."
Kevin nodded solemnly. "We'll do everything we can."
"I know you will." Kesba's eyes softened, and he beckoned Kevin closer. Placing a frail hand on Kevin's head, he said, "But tell me, my boy. If you fail, can you accept it?"
Kevin froze, startled by the question.
Kesba continued, his voice tinged with concern. "You carry the hopes of so many, Kevin. If the unthinkable happens... can you find peace knowing you gave it your all?"
After a long pause, Kevin smiled. "Grandpa Kesba, Cu Chulainn and I are brothers. He's never doubted his path, so how could I?
And besides, we already have an agreement."
Kesba's worry eased, a faint smile returning to his lips. "That's good to hear. Very good."
…..
Leaving Kesba's chambers, Kevin found Scathach waiting for him, leaning casually against the wall. Their eyes met, and Kevin was struck by the unusual warmth in her crimson gaze.
They walked together in silence for a while before Scathach finally spoke.
"In a few days," she said, "you'll face the moment you've been preparing for since we met. What are your thoughts?"
Kevin hesitated, her question striking a chord deep within him. He thought back to their first meeting when he was just a boy of ten. Back then, he had told her that he wanted to stand by Cu Chulainn's side, to help him when he needed it most.
Now, that moment was almost here.
"Master," Kevin said finally, "you've never asked me about my secrets."
Scathach tilted her head, surprised by his response.
"Aren't you curious?" Kevin asked.
"Of course," she replied simply. "But if I asked, you'd probably tell me. The question is... is it necessary?"
Kevin chuckled softly. "I just worry that if I die, my secrets will die with me."
Scathach's expression didn't waver. "Do you think you're going to die?"
"Master," Kevin said, his tone serious, "I've received your teachings, and I carry the magic sword my father gave me. But I'm not arrogant enough to think I can stop the combined forces of three kingdoms without risk.
There will be powerful warriors, druids, bards, and perhaps even gods among our enemies."
Scathach nodded, her demeanor calm. "If you die, then you'll stay in the Shadow Kingdom forever. Your soul will be mine."
Kevin stopped in his tracks, staring at her with wide eyes.
"Oh, that's right," Scathach said with a faint smirk. "I am the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom, after all."
For a moment, Kevin was speechless. Then, despite the grim topic, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, Master," he said, grinning, "if that's the case... maybe death isn't such a bad deal after all."
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto