Rundimahair: A new hero for a new adventure by Larry Forkner (summer books .TXT) 📗

Fergus looked troubled for a few moments, before he finally said, “I approve of this risky and highly unorthodox approach to finding the answers we seek. I also realize that only you can find the answers we desperately search for. Be all that as it may, lovely Ashling, you’ll be asking my permission before trying a stunt like that in the future. Am I making myself clear?”

For one of the few times in their long friendship, Ashling read disappointment in Fergus’ eyes. She stepped in and hugged him close as she said, “Aye, clear and true, my dear, Fergus.” She stepped back, but kept a firm grip on his hands, as she added, “I swear on the blood of me ancestors, it will never happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t, young lass,” Fergus said, as he slowly smiled. “Pursue your search with all haste and keep Eamon and I informed. The three of us will discuss when and what to share with the entire council once we have more answers.”

“That I will, Fergus. I should be able to find answers quickly enough, since one or more in Orlagh’s family line must have been extraordinarily powerful to produce a wizard like Sean.”

Chapter Ten

The test of the heart is trouble and it always comes with years.

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth

Is the smile that shines through the tears.

~ Old Irish Saying ~

Ashling was searching in earnest for the origins of the woman named Orlagh. She was convinced that the mystery woman had to be Sean’s ancient ancestor. While tracing Orlagh’s life story, she became increasing entranced by all she found. As the days passed, it almost become an obsession.

After working through a full weekend, Ashling was interrupted by Eamon standing at the open door to her office.

“I’d have sworn that door was closed and locked,” Ashling said, when Eamon stepped into the room.

“Locked doors have never been much of a hindrance to your dear old Da’,” Eamon said, smiling.

“True enough, but your darlin’ daughter is trying to get something done–hence the locked door,” Ashling said, trying to hide her annoyance.

“I can see you’re working your fingers to the bone on that computer,” Eamon said. “In truth, that’s why I’m standing here.”

“To watch me work?” Ashling said, without looking up.

“To encourage you to cease and desist for the night is more what I had in mind.”

Ashling sighed heavily and stopped typing, as she said, “Was it not you and Fergus who gave me the directive to seek out Orlagh’s history with all haste?”

“Aye, so we did, and you know as well as I do that we didn’t mean working ‘round the clock without a rest,” Eamon said firmly.

Ashling heard the tone change in her Da’s voice and understood it would do no good to argue further. “Very well, I’ll stop after one more hour.”

“It’s past midnight and you’ll stop now,” Eamon said.

She’d never enjoyed having someone give her orders–even if he was her Da’. “I’ve not been a child for many long years, Father. I’ll go to bed when I’m good and ready.”

“You’re right in thinking I shouldn’t order you about as your father, and I’ve no intention of doing so,” Eamon said calmly.”

“So you say, but isn’t that what you just did?” Ashling said with growing irritation.

“Nothing of the kind, dear girl. I ordered you to cease and desist as your direct superior on the council.”

Ashling glared at him for several long moments, while she tried to think of a way around his order. All the while he was waiting patiently with a slight smile fixed in place. She finally gave up and rolled her eyes as she shut down the computer.

“Thank you, dear girl,” he said softly, as she stood and walked toward him.

“Don’t be complaining to me when the descendants of Danu crash through our shields because my Da’ sent me off to bed before I could find the answers we need!” she said testily, as she tried to step around him.”

Eamon grabbed her arm firmly and pulled her back to him. He looked her in the eye for several moments without speaking, while he struggled to control his own temper. Finally, he said, “You’ll see things more clearly after a good night’s rest, dear Ashling.

“So you say,” she replied petulantly.

“Not only are you the spittin’ image of your saintly mother, you also inherited her fiery temper,” Eamon said, smiling kindly. “Still and all, I wouldn’t change a thing about you, even if I could. I loved your dear mother, fierce temper and all. I love you too–all the more so because you’re the only child we were blessed with.”

Ashling wanted to stay angry, but when she saw the tears in his eyes, her anger melted away. She embraced her father and said, “It’s true that I’ve always been grateful to be so much like Mom, but to tell it true, I could have done without inheriting her fiery temper.”

“It helps keep you humble and, we all know you have very few things to feel humble about,” Eamon said, chuckling.

She stepped back, looking into his warm eyes. Finally, she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “No wonder Mom married you, Da’. You’re as full of the blarney as Sean is–maybe more so!”

“I think by the time he’s my age, he’ll be known far and wide as the king of all blarney,” Eamon said, smiling. “Off to bed now, me darlin’.”

Ashling began falling asleep as soon as she climbed under her covers. She had been burning the midnight oil for too many days in a row, and her mind and body desperately needed the rest.

She’d been putting in even longer hours since Sean had gone back to Portland a few days ago. It had been her idea to have him spend some time at work, while she was busy researching his family tree. It would keep anyone at his job from