Prologue
In the beginning…when the world was new, Fae and humans lived peacefully together, but as the centuries passed, fear and distrust evolved. The Fae continued to love the humans, but they believed it was time to safeguard the realms. Therefore, they appointed the Fenian Warriors to protect the domain between human and faery. But most importantly, these warriors were only to assist the humans and steer a new course in the mortal world.
When evil threatened to destroy a clan, country, or civilization, the Fae council called upon these warriors. This group of elite Fae had the power to travel through the Veil of Ages, supporting those in need. They were not to alter the timeline or what the Fae believed to be the life strings of a human. To do so, would be catastrophic.
Ancient and powerful, the Brotherhood of the Fenian Warriors was second only to the Fae King and Queen’s powers. They have lived amongst us for thousands of years—watching, aiding, guiding. They could live in the guise of a professor, lawyer, knight, tavern owner, or a simple farmer.
Whatever was required, the warriors did so without complaint. If so much as a whisper of negativity reached their leader, they were banished from the Brotherhood.
In the early formation of the Fenian Warriors, many were chosen to enter the Brotherhood. Yet, some argued as to who should lead this vast number of Fae. A council of nine Fae elders was appointed to oversee the debate regarding a leader. The elders agreed that whoever was chosen had to have qualities that were impeccable. No blemish had to stain his life history.
They were given nine days to make their decision. In the end, one Fae stood out in stark contrast to all those who were considered. It was a unanimous decision.
Aidan Kerrigan, older brother to Queen Nuala, was deemed the perfect Fae to govern the Fenian Warriors. His code of ethics rivaled none. Steadfast and loyal to his people and the Brotherhood, not one could find fault in him. In addition, his royal bloodline was vast, and he was one of the few to be born on their homeland of Taralyn within the great cosmos.
So on the summer festival marking the five thousandth year of the Fae living on earth, King Ansgar made Aidan the supreme leader over the Brotherhood. He was bestowed with more powers, making him almost an equal to the King of the Fae.
Over the centuries, admiration grew for the leader of the Fenian Warriors. Honorable, loyal, brave, courageous—words uttered by all when his name was mentioned.
Until one day, when the sun and moon became one on both worlds, and a shift in the Fae realm transpired.
The Fae forgot about the prophecy. No one cared about the whispers on a darkened midday. Nor did any seek out the seer for her wisdom or heard the weeping of the priestesses within the temple of Mother Danu.
The warm air turned frigid in seconds, and not one Fae paused to understand the meaning of what was about to occur.
Yet, one human female did notice in her world.
When she stumbled along a path one spring afternoon in awe of the glorious solar eclipse, the Fates shredded the loom of two individuals—one human and the other a Fae.
The rift in their lives would be glorious and catastrophic. Neither would be prepared for the future they faced, or the impact they would have for future generations.
In the end, their fated meeting would bring about the greatest downfall of one of the most revered warriors ever.
And the Fae realm would never be the same again.