Disclaimer: "Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog" and its' characters are owned by Saban and whoever else was involved with the creation and production of this show. Any new characters and story lines that come into play are of my own creation. No copyright infringement is intended. This is a fanfiction intended for entertainment purposes only and no money is being made off of it.

Chapter 2: Macha

The Mystic Knights were standing outside the closed door to the room where Cathbad was checking over the girl that had saved Deirdre. The only Knight who wasn't there was Rohan who had gone to tell King Conchobar what had occurred.

"What is taking him so long?" Deirdre asked impatiently as she paced in front of the door, feeling guilty that the girl had risked her life to save her.

"It won't be much longer Deirdre," Ivar said reassuringly as he placed a comforting hand on the princess' shoulder when she had stopped her pacing. He knew the reason why she was impatient. Deirdre smiled gratefully at Ivar, but that didn't mean that her guilt had lessened.

The door opened and a voice belonging to Cathbad told them that they could enter the room. The Knights rushed into the room and they stood around the bed where the girl lay, still unconscious.

"She's a nice looking gal. When she wakes up, I'm going to ask her if she wants a tour of Kells," Angus said giving a large grin. His friends just shook their heads and waited for Cathbad to tell them about the stranger's condition.

The ancient druid was silent for several minutes. He turned his head to face the impatient knights, except for Ivar who always had wonderful patience. "Well? Will she be all right?" Deirdre asked her eyes focused intently onto the druid.

Cathbad nodded his head. "She has some bruises and cuts. She also has a rather large bump on her head, but she will be just fine. She will be sore though, but I have medicines to help with all of her aches."

"When will she awaken, Cathbad?" Garrett asked as his eyes swept over the girl with the strange silver hair.

Cathbad frowned as he studied the girl before him. "I do not know, Garrett, we shall have to be patient until she awakens."

Just then, King Conchobar came into the room with Rohan right behind him. King Conchobar looked at the girl and then at the druid. "How is she, Cathbad?" The King asked his tone reflecting his concern for the girl.

Suddenly, the girl opened her eyes and sat up her green eyes looked from one person to the next.

"You are safe here," Deirdre said softly. The girl studied Deirdre with her intense eyes.

"Where am I?" The girl asked looking at them suspiciously but there was no fear reflecting in her eyes. Angus thought her voice was as sweet as red clover.

"You are in Kells castle. You were brought here because you had been injured," Cathbad answered his voice calm and comforting.

"Who are all of you?"

"I am Conchobar, the King of Kells. This is my advisor and druid, Cathbad. This is my daughter Princess Deirdre and these men are, Prince Ivar, Prince Garrett, Rohan and Angus." As he spoke each name, the respective person either nodded their head or gave the girl a small bow.

There was a moment of silence before the girl spoke. "I am known as Macha."

Conchobar, Cathbad, the Mystic Knights and Macha were all in the throne room. Macha had jumped out of the bed, even though everyone had protested, she told them that she was all right. She suggested that they should go to a room that wasn't so small. Somewhat reluctantly, they agreed and had brought the girl into the throne room.

"Macha, why are you here in Kells?" King Conchobar asked from his seat on the throne.

"I have come here because of a prophecy that a great evil shall spread darkness from this island to the lands beyond," Macha replied as she stood before the King. The Mystic Knights were standing off to Macha's left side and Cathbad was standing next to the throne.

"That darkness must be Nemain," Rohan said with fire in his voice.

"Who is this Nemain?" Macha asked looking intently at Rohan.

"Nemain is an evil sorceress who now controls Temra," Angus said before Rohan could speak.

Macha nodded her head and was silent for a few moments as she thought. "I shall aid you in fighting Nemain," Macha said firmly.

"Macha, that is honorable of you, but we do not wish to bring you into this," Deirdre replied shaking her head.

Macha looked intently at all of them. "It is my destiny that I do so. I fight those who wish to harm others and those who use dark magic. I can not allow Nemain to spread her evil."

"Indeed, Macha, Nemain must be stopped so peace can come to Kells," King Conchobar said. "I accept your help, Macha. I welcome you to Kells."

Macha bowed deeply to the King. "I am honored to assist you and Kells, your Majesty."

"Deirdre, would you please show Macha around the castle? She may stay in the room that she was in before," Conchobar said and waved his hand signaling that they could go.

"Of course, father. Come along Macha," Deirdre said as she walked to the door.

"I'll go with ye," Angus said as he rushed toward the door and then pivoted on his right foot to look at the king. "Is that all right, your Majesty?" Conchobar nodded his head in consent. Angus' face lighted up and followed the two women out the door.

"Now, what are your thoughts on our guest?" Conchobar asked the druid and the remaining knights.

"She seems wise and kind," Ivar said remembering her eyes were bright with intelligence and curiosity.

"She's hiding something," Rohan said quickly and shook his head. "I have no idea how I know it, but I believe that she is." Garrett silently agreed with Rohan but decided to keep his thoughts to himself, for now.

"Cathbad, did the girl speak any lies?" Conchobar asked as he turned his head to look at his advisor.

Cathbad shook his head. "No, your Majesty, every word she spoke was truth."

Conchobar noticed his druid's hesitation. "What is it, Cathbad?"

"Earlier today, I had a vision. The vision was foggy but I was able to get a sense from it. A power is stirring in Kells, what I do not know, but whatever the source may be, it is very powerful and ancient." Cathbad chose his words carefully and just above a whisper, as though his words may bring this power forth.

"Do you believe this girl, Macha, has something to do with this power?" Conchobar asked Cathbad.

Cathbad frowned as he shook his head. "I am not certain, but we must be wary. This power may be a source of good or of evil."

"Very well." Conchobar turned his head to look at the Mystic Knights. "I want at least one Mystic Knight to be around Macha at all times. I hope that she is good, but we can not be certain because Nemain enjoys playing tricks."

Garrett, Ivar and Rohan bowed to the king and left the throne room. Conchobar turned to Cathbad. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me, Cathbad?" Conchobar asked.

Cathbad stroked his beard and then turned his wise eyes to Conchobar. "I must search through my scrolls and I hope to discover the source of that power. If I do not find the answer, then one of the Mystic Knights must be sent to Tir Na Nog."

Conchobar nodded his head. "Very well, Cathbad." Cathbad bowed and left to head to his chambers. Conchobar sat on his throne, his right hand rubbing his chin as he thought about everything that had occurred that day. He was worried for Kells and for the Mystic Knights, for if Nemain discovered this power and learned to use it, then Kells would cease to exist. Yet, the wise king knew there was always hope as long as one brave person rose to fight for the side of good. There was always hope.

As Deirdre showed Macha the castle, she would point out the tapestries and would tell Macha about the history of the castle. Angus was silent but continued to study the silver haired girl as she asked Deirdre questions or told Deirdre what she thought about what she had seen.

Deirdre showed her to the kitchens and to the small library, one that was separate from Cathbad's room. Then Deirdre led Macha out into the courtyard where they met up with the other Mystic Knights.

Deirdre and Macha sat down next to each other and talked. Deirdre felt glad to have another female around to talk with. She enjoyed talking with Rohan and Ivar, but there were certain things only a woman could speak about with another woman.

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